Drovers Open Postseason with Overtime Loss at WBU

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Thursday evening, the No. 5 seeded University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (19-10, 14-8 SAC) suffered a heart-breaking 109-108 overtime loss at No. 4 seed Wayland Baptist University (21-8, 15-7 SAC). 

The Drovers struggled early on and trailed 12-3 less than four minutes into the game. WBU commanded the first 10 minutes of action and held a 26-12 lead midway through the first half. The Pioneers led by as many as 15-points, but the Drovers closed the half strong and cut the deficit to 44-38 at the end of the opening half.  

Following halftime, WBU began to extend their lead once again and held a 74-63 advantage midway through the second half. The Drovers caught fire late in the game and claimed a lead for the first time in the game as Jaden Harrell cashed in a layup to give USAO an 88-87 lead with 1:40 remaining in regulation. The Pioneers managed to go on a 4-0 run to take a 91-88 lead, but Reggie Quezada was able to even the score at 91-91 before time expired, forcing overtime. 

In overtime, the teams continued to exchange the lead, but WBU was able to outscore USAO by a slim margin of 18-17 in the extra five minutes of action. 

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 37-75 (.493) from the field, 19-42 (.452) from beyond the arc, and 15-17 (.882) from the free-throw line. In comparison, WBU shot 36-78 (.462) from the field, 12-28 (.429) from deep, and 25-34 (.735) from the charity stripe. 

The Pioneers won the rebounding battle 42-31, and WBU outscored USAO in the paint 38-30. 

USAO committed 12 turnovers, which led to 13 points for WBU. Meanwhile, the Pioneers fumbled the ball 14 times, resulting in only seven points for USAO. The Drovers were whistled for 24 fouls, while the Pioneers were called for 17 violations.

USAO's offense was led by an incredible performance from Reggie Quezada, tallying 39 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Cejay Mann added 20 points on 6-10 shooting from beyond the arc, followed by Manny Gatkek with 16 points, four assists, and two blocks. Jaden Harrell contributed 13 points on 5-8 shooting, along with four rebounds and seven assists. Ryein Kennedy concluded with 12 points, and five rebounds. 

Niieihii BlackBear scored four points, while Tyler Cauley and Cade Allen each scored two. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers now await the NAIA Selection Show to determine whether they will qualify for the NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship tournament. The selection show can be watched on the NAIA's YouTube channel on Thursday, March 7 at 6:00 PM CT.

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