Second Half Surge Keeps Drovers Undefeated

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (3-0, 0-0 SAC) overcame a double-digit deficit in the second half to claim a 97-94 victory against Arkansas Baptist College (2-2, 0-0 CAC). The thrilling contest featured seven ties and 10 lead changes. 

Despite "struggling" offensively against the Biffaloes, the Drovers are still the highest scoring offense in the NAIA so far this season, averaging 106.0 points per game. The last time that USAO started 3-0 was in 2021-22, when the Drovers went 26-7 and won the SAC regular season championship. 

Thursday night, the Drovers struggled in the opening half, shooting only 43.8 percent from the field and 14.3 percent from deep, along with getting outrebounded 27-14. Arkansas Baptist shot the ball well from three-point range and took a 50-42 advantage into the break. 

Following halftime, the Drovers flipped the switch and began the comeback. USAO finally managed to pull the score even at 82-82 with under seven minutes to play. The teams traded baskets and were knotted at 91-91 with two minutes to go, 

In the final 20 minutes of the game, USAO shot 53.1 percent from the field, 20 percent from beyond the arc, and 80 percent from the free-throw line. Additionally, the Drovers outrebounded the Buffaloes 20-13. 

Despite not having "their best stuff" on Thursday night, the Drovers still found a way to dig deep and pull out the win. At the conclusion of the contest, USAO's offense shot 31-64 (.484) from the field, 2-12 (.167) from beyond the arc, and 33-46 (.717) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Arkansas Baptist shot 33-72 (.458) from the field, 9-21 (.429) from deep, and 19-27 (.704) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 50 points in the paint and hauled in 35 rebounds. In comparison, the Buffaloes scored 30 points in the paint and grabbed 40 rebounds. 

USAO committed seven turnovers, which led to eight points for Arkansas Baptist. Meanwhile, the Buffaloes fumbled the ball 10 times, resulting in 14 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 22 fouls, while ABC was called for 35 violations.

Four Drovers scored in double figures, led by Jamouri McCalister's 27 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in 31 minutes off the bench. McCalister shot 9-15 from the field and 9-13 at the charity stripe. He also assisted the go-ahead basket on a full-court pass to Roman Lutton for a fastbreak layup. 

Elijah Burney contributed 20 points on 6-11 shooting from the field and went 8-10 at the free-throw line. Burney also hauled in three rebounds and dished out three assists. 

Mohand Ammad concluded with 19 points and five rebounds. Ammad is now averaging 29.3 points per game this season, which ranks fifth in the NAIA. Furthermore, the Parisian is shooting 55.3 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from deep, and 81.0 percent at the charity stripe.

A pair of Aussie's made big impacts for the Drovers. Roman Lutton added 13 points, including the go-ahead bucket. Lutton shot 5-9 from the field and stole the ball three times on defense. Sam Faraday-Bensley closed with seven points, eight rebounds, and a pair of assists. 

Chris Yapo finished with six points and four rebounds, while Bryce Cowns added four points and four rebounds. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now hit the road and head to Hesston, Kan. to face Hesston College on Saturday, Nov. 15. Tip-off is slated for 3:00 PM CT inside the Yost Center. 

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