Late Rally Falls Short Against SCU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (4-2, 0-2 SAC) battled hard but was ultimately dealt an 88-82 loss against Southwestern Christian University (4-2, 2-1 SAC). USAO now owns a 24-6 record against SCU in head-to-head matchups since 2014, and the Drovers had won the previous 16 meetings against the Eagles since 2019.

The first half was an exciting back and forth battle, featuring seven ties and 11 lead changes in the opening 20 minutes. The team took a 38-38 tie into the break. 

Following halftime, the score remained tight as the teams traded baskets, but the Eagles began to pull away midway through the frame, possessing a 61-53 advantage with 10 minutes to play. The Drovers began to bounce back late in the game and pulled within three points (79-76) with 1:20 left on the clock. The Eagles knocked down their free-throws in the final minute to keep the Drovers out of reach.

At the conclusion of the contest, USAO's offense shot 27-69 (.391) from the field, 5-19 (.263) from beyond the arc, and 23-34(.676) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Southwestern Christian shot 32-72 (.444) from the field, 8-25 (.320) from deep, and 16-22 (.727) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 42 points in the paint and hauled in 48 rebounds. In comparison, the Eagles scored 40 points in the paint and grabbed 38 rebounds. 

USAO committed 13 turnovers, which led to 22 points for SCU. Meanwhile, the Eagles fumbled the ball 10 times, resulting in only seven points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 20 fouls, while SCU was called for 24 violations.

Mohand Ammad once again led the USAO offense, contributing 24 points on 7-12 shooting from the field and 9-10 from the free-throw line. Ammad also hauled in 11 rebounds to record his second double-double of the season. The Frenchman currently leads the SAC in scoring (29.5 PPG) and ranks second in rebounds per game (8.2). He is shooting a staggering 60.0 percent from the field, 50.0 percent from deep, and 80.3 percent from the charity stripe. 

Elijah Burney and Lendy Holmes each concluded with 11 points. Burney added three rebounds, an assist, and a steal, while Holmes grabbed one rebound and stole the ball once. 

Sam Faraday-Bensley finished with nine points, five rebounds, and a pair of assists, trailed by Roman Lutton and Jamouri McCalister with eight points each. Lutton added eight rebounds and four assists. McCalister hauled in four rebounds. 

Steve Tatsiguia scored five points, grabbed nine rebounds, stole the ball twice, and blocked two shots in 17 minutes off the bench. Bryce Cowns closed with four points and three rebounds, trailed by Chris Yapo with two points and four rebounds. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now hit the road for an exhibition matchup at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (NCAA DII) on Tuesday, Nov. 25. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 PM CT in Weatherford, Okla.    

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