USAO’s Rally Falls Short in Final Seconds Against MACU on Senior Night

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (9-16, 7-14 SAC) hosted their final home game of the 2024-25 season and was dealt a heartbreaking 75-74 loss against Mid-America Christian University (19-6, 15-6 SAC). The Drovers trailed for the opening thirty-nine and a half minutes, until Tyler Cauley sank the go-ahead layup with 12 seconds remaining. However, the Evangels responded with the game-winning basket with just three seconds remaining.

With three games remaining in the regular season, the Drovers sit in tenth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings. The top eight teams in the conference qualify for the conference tournament, and the top four seeded teams will host the first round, prior to the tournament being moved to Langston University for the semifinals and finals. 

MACU was in control of Thursday's contest for most of the first half, but USAO was able to keep the game within striking distance and trailed 37-30 going into halftime. 

Following the break, USAO continued to keep the score close, but the Evangels managed to match the Drovers run-for-run. MACU possessed a 57-48 advantage midway through the second half. With just under three minutes remaining, the Drovers cut the deficit to two points (69-67), prior to trimming MACU's lead to 73-72 with 44 seconds to play. After corralling a defensive rebound, Cade Allen tipped a ball down the court allowing Tyler Cauley to score the go-ahead layup (74-73) with 12 seconds to play. However, the Evangels took the ball right down the court and drove into the lane to claim a 75-74 edge with three seconds to play. The Drovers managed to get a potential game-winning shot off but were unable to convert as time expired. 

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 25-59 (.424) from the field, 8-25 (.320) from beyond the arc, and 16-25 (.640) from the free-throw line. In comparison, MACU shot 28-66 (.424) from the field, 6-23 (.261) from deep, and 13-18 (.722) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 26 points in the paint and hauled in 37 rebounds. In comparison, the Evangels scored 40 points in the paint and grabbed 41 rebounds. 

USAO committed 12 turnovers, which led to 13 points for MACU. Meanwhile, the Evangels fumbled the ball eight times, resulting in 16 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 16 fouls, while MACU was called for 23 violations.

Three different Drovers scored in double-figures, led by Ryein Kennedy's 22 points and nine rebounds. Mohand Ammad contributed 21 points on 6-10 shooting from the field and 6-6 from the free-throw line. Ammad also hauled in five rebounds, and 18 of his 21 points came in the second half of the game. Cade Allen concluded with 18 points, four rebounds, and five assists.

Tyler Cauley finished with six points and four rebounds, while Jaden Harrell added two points and six assists. Manny Gatkek scored three points, along with four rebounds and four blocks. Tre Edwards added two points, two assists, and two steals.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now hit the road for the remainder of the season, beginning with a double-header at Oklahoma City University on Saturday, February 15. The women's game is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 3:45 PM CT inside Abe Lemons Arena.

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