Ammad Scores 45 in Historic Season Opener

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Tuesday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (1-0, 0-0 SAC) opened the 2025-26 season with a historic 112-75 victory against Ecclesia College (0-2, 0-0 NCCAA). In addition to the win, Mohand Ammad delivered one of the best individual performances in program history, scoring the second most points (45), attempted the second most free-throws (22), and made the most free-throws (18).

 Both teams were shaking off some rust in the opening minutes, prior to the Drovers building momentum and taking a 48-31 advantage into the break.

Following halftime, the Drovers continued to thrive, outscoring the Royals 64-44 in the final 20 minutes of action.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 38-74 (.514) from the field, 10-22 (.455) from beyond the arc, and 26-39 (.667) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Ecclesia shot 25-75 (.333) from the field, 5-18 (.278) from deep, and 20-31 (.645) from the charity stripe.

The Drovers scored 48 points in the paint and hauled in 54 rebounds. In comparison, the Royals scored 30 points in the paint and grabbed 42 rebounds.

USAO committed 14 turnovers, which led to 14 points for Ecclesia. Meanwhile, the Royals fumbled the ball 13 times, resulting in 19 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 25 fouls, while Ecclesia was called for 29 violations.

The Drover offense was highlighted by Ammad's 45 points on 13-23 shooting from the field and went 18-22 at the free-throw line. Ammad also hauled in nine rebounds and dished out three assists. The only Drover to have ever score more in a single game was Victor Parish in 1993, when he scored 51 against Oklahoma Christian. Furthermore, it is also the most points scored by any player in a game so far this season in the NAIA.

Bryce Cowns made an immediate impact in his first collegiate contest, tallying 16 points on 7-12 shooting from the field, including 2-3 from beyond the arc. Cowns also grabbed six rebounds.

Roman Lutton flirted with a triple-double as he recorded 12 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in 28 minutes off the bench. Jamouri McCalister also scored 12 points, along with five rebounds, four assists, and a pair of blocks.

Josip Kronja closed with eight points and five rebounds, while Hayden Hicks added eight points in only 11 minutes of playing time.

Lendy Holmes added six points and six rebounds, trailed by Chris Yapo with three points, four rebounds, and two blocks.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 1 as they host their Homecoming game against Barclay College. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse.

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