Kennedy’s Incredible Performance Propels USAO to Thrilling Double-Overtime Victory Against OPSU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Monday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (4-7, 3-5 SAC) delivered a gritty 86-85 double-overtime victory against Oklahoma Panhandle State University (3-9, 1-8 SAC). With the win, the Drovers improve to 12-1 against the Aggies all-time, a series that dates to January 2018.

On Monday, the Drovers jumped out to a slim lead early in the contest and proceeded to hold a 20-13 advantage midway through the half. The Aggies began to cut into the deficit and trimmed USAO's lead to 36-28 going into halftime. 

Following the break, the Drovers held their largest lead of the game, 40-28 with 18:43 to play in regulation. However, the Aggies began to chip away at the Drovers' lead and cut their deficit to 57-52 midway through the second half. USAO held a 73-71 lead late in regulation, but OPSU knocked down the tying basket with 12 seconds remaining, and neither team was able to score again in the final seconds, forcing overtime.

Both teams scored six points in the first overtime, prior to USAO outscoring OPSU 7-6 in the second overtime. 

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 29-72 (.403) from the field, 7-23 (.304) from beyond the arc, and 21-33 (.636) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Panhandle State shot 33-81 (.407) from the field, 7-30 (.233) from deep, and 12-26 (.462) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 32 points in the paint and hauled in 49 rebounds. In comparison, the Aggies scored 42 points in the paint and grabbed 58 rebounds. 

USAO committed 11 turnovers, which led to 11 points for OPSU. Meanwhile, the Aggies fumbled the ball 15 times, resulting in 10 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 25 fouls, while OPSU was called for 26 violations.

Ryein Kennedy led the Drovers with an incredible performance, tallying 35 points, 12 rebounds, and seven blocked shots on defense. The double-double is the first of Kennedy's career, along with career-highs in points, rebounds, and blocks in the win. Furthermore, Kennedy's seven blocks are tied for the second most in a single game in program history, only trailing Randy Hughes' 10 blocks against Lees-McRae College in 2001. 

Mohand Ammad contributed 13 points and seven rebounds, while Cade Allen added 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists. 

Tre Edwards concluded with seven points, five rebounds, and two assists. Tyler Cauley added six points and five rebounds, followed by Lendy Holmes and Zach Hays with five points each. 

Jaden Harrell concluded with three points, six rebounds, and a game-high of six assists. Harrell now has 353 assists in his career, ranking third in program history, only trailing Michael Williamson (366) and Stephon Hall (417).

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Friday, December 20 as they host a non-conference matchup against Northern New Mexico College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

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