USAO Falls in Conference Opener Against OCU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (4-1, 0-1 SAC) opened conference play with a tough 96-82 loss against Oklahoma City University (4-3, 2-0 SAC). USAO owns a 20-18 record against OCU in head-to-head matchups since 2008, and the Drovers are 8-4 against the Stars since 2020.

The Stars took an early lead and never relinquished it for the remainder of the contest. After 10 minutes of action, OCU commanded a 31-15 advantage. Despites USAO's best efforts, the Stars continued to knock down shots and took an 18-point lead into the break (52-34).

Following halftime, the Drovers looked better and trimmed their deficit to 11 midway through the second half. However, that is as close as it would get for the remainder of the contest. 

At the conclusion of the contest, USAO's offense shot 30-58 (.517) from the field, 7-17 (.412) from beyond the arc, and only 15-27 (.556) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Oklahoma City shot 36-69 (.522) from the field, 10-21 (.476) from deep, and 14-20 (.700) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 40 points in the paint and hauled in 29 rebounds. In comparison, the Stars scored 50 points in the paint and grabbed 38 rebounds. 

USAO committed 11 turnovers, which led to 18 points for OCU. Meanwhile, the Stars fumbled the ball 13 times, resulting in 12 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 22 fouls, while OCU was called for 18 violations.

Despite suffering the loss, the Drovers received a pair of tremendous offensive performances from Mohand Ammad and Elijah Burney. Ammad concluded with 25 points on 10-17 shooting from the field, including 3-5 from deep. The reigning SAC Offensive Player of the Week also hauled in eight rebounds and dished out an assist. Furthermore, Ammad ranks second in the NAIA in scoring (30.6 PPG).

Elijah Burney contributed a season-high of 23 points on 6-10 shooting from the field, including 2-4 from three-point range. Burney did a great job at drawing fouls and went 9-12 at the charity stripe. Additionally, Burney produced seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals. 

Lendy Holmes returned from injury and scored 13 points on 4-9 shooting from the field. Roman Lutton added eight points and three rebounds, followed by Sam Faraday-Bensley with seven points, four rebounds, and three blocks. 

Bryce Cowns scored four points and dished two assists, trailed by Steve Tatsiguia with two points and two rebounds in his season debut. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Saturday, Nov. 22 as they host Southwestern Christian University. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse.   

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