Allen’s 27 not Enough as USAO Falls on the Road at WBU

PLAINVIEW, Texas – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (17-7, 12-6 SAC) suffered a tough 93-80 loss on the road at Wayland Baptist University (18-6, 13-5 SAC). With the loss, USAO drops into fifth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, 4.5 games back of Langston University at the top, and 1.0 game back of second place with four games remaining in the regular season.

The Drovers jumped out to an early lead, but the Pioneers quickly responded with a scoring run and held a 17-14 lead midway through the opening half. WBU continued to stretch their lead to double digits, but USAO used a late run to cut the deficit to 40-35 after 20 minutes of play.

Following halftime, both teams traded baskets and USAO trailed only 52-47 with over 13 minutes left in regulation. WBU would then catch fire and commanded a 66-51 lead midway through the second half. Cade Allen knocked down multiple three-pointers down the stretch for USAO, but WBU was able to answer with a bucket of their own every time. Despite their best efforts, the Drovers were unable to cut into the deficit by the final buzzer. 

USAO's offense finished the game shooting only 30-74 (.405) from the field, 8-23 (.348) from beyond the arc, and 12-14 (.857) from the free-throw line. In comparison, WBU shot 32-64 (.500) from the field, 11-27 (.407) from deep, and 18-31 (.581) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers outrebounded the Pioneers by a slim margin of 36-33, and 13 of USAO's rebounds came on the offensive end of the court. Despite outrebounding WBU, the Pioneers were able to outscore the Drovers 42-32 in the paint.

Both teams committed eight turnovers, which led to seven points for USAO and 13 points for WBU. The Drovers were whistled for 18 fouls and the Pioneers committed 16 infractions. 

The USAO offense was led by five double-digit scoring efforts, highlighted by Cade Allen's 27 points. Allen got red-hot in the second half and finished the game shooting 9-14 from the field and 6-9 from deep. Rory Pantophlet recorded his fourth double-double of the season as he concluded with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Anthony Ray contributed 13 points, followed by Manny Gatkek and Reggie Quezada with 10 points each.

Jaden Harrell dished out a team-high of six assists, in addition to two points and five rebounds. Niieihii BlackBear and Tyler Cauley each scored two points.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court for a double-header against John Brown University on Thursday, February 15 for USAO Cornerstone Partner Appreciation Night. The women's game is scheduled to tip-off at 6:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 7:45 PM. 

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