Drovers Drop a Close One Against #13 OKWU at Paycom Center

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Friday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (4-3, 0-2 SAC) fought hard but was dealt an 82-78 non-conference loss against No. 13 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan University (7-1, 3-0 KCAC). 

The Drovers got off to a great start and held a 13-3 lead with 14 minutes to play in the first half. However, the Eagles would begin to knock down shots and pulled the score even at 21-21 with seven minutes until the break. Both teams traded baskets down the stretch, and the Drovers clung to a slim 39-35 advantage going into the second half. 

Following halftime, OKWU opened on a 12-0 run to jump out to a 47-39 lead with over 16 minutes to go in regulation. The Drovers would bounce back and trimmed their deficit to only 61-57 midway through the second half. USAO pulled the score even with 6:58 remaining in the contest (65-65) and the score remained tight until the final buzzer. The Eagles did a good job at knocking down their free-throws in the final minutes to hold off USAO's comeback attempt. 

At the conclusion of the contest, USAO's offense shot 26-61 (.426) from the field, 5-21 (.238) from beyond the arc, and 21-33 (.636) from the free-throw line. In comparison, OKWU shot 27-61 (.443) from the field, 4-13 (.308) from deep, and 24-31 (.774) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 34 points in the paint and hauled in 39 rebounds. In comparison, the Eagles scored 42 points in the paint and grabbed 33 rebounds. 

USAO committed 24 turnovers, which led to 27 points for OKWU. Meanwhile, the Eagles fumbled the ball 15 times, resulting in only 11 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 21 fouls, while OKWU was called for 27 violations.

Four different Drovers scored in double digits, headlined by Mohand Ammad with 18 points. Ammad also hauled in 11 rebounds for his third double-double of the season. Roman Lutton added 15 points and seven rebounds, followed by Elijah Burney with 13 points. Steve Tatsiguia concluded with 10 points, seven rebounds, and three steals.

Lendy Holmes contributed nine points, trailed by Jamouri McCalister with eight points and five assists. Chris Yapo finished with five points and four rebounds. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return home to host No. 5 ranked Langston University on Thursday, December 4 for the 4th Annual Teddy Bear Toss game. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

The Teddy Bear Toss will take place at halftime of the women's game, and all stuffed animals will be donated to the local Salvation Army. Bring a stuffed animal to donate and you'll get into the games for FREE.

As usual, these types of events are made possible by our Cornerstone Athletic Partners, Chicken Express, Standley Systems, First National Bank and Trust, and 29th Street Dental.

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