Drovers Conclude Regular Season Against Langston University

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (19-9, 14-8 SAC) concluded the regular season with a tough 73-60 loss against No. 2 ranked Langston University (27-1, 21-1 SAC). 

The Lions led from start to finish, but the Drovers fought hard and kept Langston within striking distance for majority of the contest. 

Langston got off to a hot start and began the game on an 8-0 run, but USAO responded with a 9-3 run to trim the deficit to two points with 13:35 remaining in the first half. The Lions once again caught fire midway through the half and led by as many as 13 with 4:38 until halftime. However, the Drovers quickly turned things around and used a 12-2 run to cut the deficit to 37-35 going into the break. 

Following halftime, the Drovers kept the game within reach, but the Lions slowly extended their lead to 49-40 with 13 minutes remaining in the game. USAO managed to get within five points and only trailed 57-52 with nine minutes remaining, but Langston would once again weather the storm and proceed to extend the lead in the final minutes of the game. 

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 20-45 (.444) from the field, 10-20 (.500) from beyond the arc, and 10-16 (.625) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Langston shot 27-51 (.529) from the field, 7-21 (.333) from deep, and 12-17 (.706) from the charity stripe. 

The Lions narrowly outrebounded the Drovers 29-28, but Langston outscored USAO in the paint by a wide margin of 40-18.

USAO committed 11 turnovers, which led to 20 points for LU. Meanwhile, the Lions only fumbled the ball six times, resulting in seven points for USAO. The Drovers were whistled for 13 fouls, while the Lions were called for 15 violations.

Reggie Quezada led the Drovers offensively, scoring a game-high of 26 points on 9-13 shooting from the field, including 5-7 from three-point range. Quezada also hauled in a team-high of five rebounds. 

Ryein Kennedy recorded nine points as he went 3-4 from beyond the arc. Rory Pantophlet and Niieihii BlackBear each scored six points. Cejay Mann closed with five points and five assists. Jayden Patcha contributed four points and four rebounds, while Jaden Harrell scored three points and dished out a game-high of eight assists. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now head into the postseason as the No. 5 seed in the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament and will head to Plainview, Texas for the quarterfinals at No. 4 Wayland Baptist University. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM CT.

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