Drovers Come Up Short on the Road at Central Christian

MCPHERSON, Kan. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (4-5, 0-4 SAC) at Central Christian College (6-5, 1-4 SAC). The Drovers are now 12-3 against the Tigers in head-to-head matchups since December 2017.

The Drovers briefly trailed in the opening minutes but bounced back and clung to a 15-13 advantage midway through the half. The score remained tight down the stretch, with Central Christian holding a 32-29 edge after 20 minutes of action. 

Following the break, it was all Central Christian as the Tigers stretched their lead to 63-48 midway through the second half. USAO began to trim into the deficit with five minutes to play, using a 9-1 run to trim their deficit to 76-70 with 2:57 remaining in regulation. The Drovers pulled within four points (90-86) with 0:21 to play, but that was as close as it would get, as the Tigers knocked down their free-throws in the closing seconds. 

At the conclusion of the contest, USAO's offense shot 32-68 (.471) from the field, 7-22 (.318) from beyond the arc, and 15-25 (.600) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Central Christian shot 30-59 (.508) from the field, 9-22 (.409) from deep, and 23-33 (.697) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 36 points in the paint and hauled in 50 rebounds. In comparison, the Tigers scored 36 points in the paint and grabbed only 26 rebounds. 

USAO committed 20 turnovers, which led to 20 points for CCC. Meanwhile, the Tigers fumbled the ball 11 times, resulting in 16 points for the Drovers.

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

Five different Drovers scored in double digits, led by Mohand Ammad with 17 points on 8-13 shooting from the field. Ammad also hauled in eight rebounds. Bryce Cowns provided a spark off the bench, contributing 15 points and six rebounds in 25 minutes. Jamouri McCalister concluded with 14 points, nine rebounds, and three steals. Sam Faraday-Bensley closed with 11 points and four rebounds, trailed by Lendy Holmes with 10 points and eight rebounds. 

Roman Lutton finished with eight points and three assists, while Elijah Burney added seven points and two rebounds. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now head to Point Lookout, Mo. To face College of the Ozarks on Thursday, December 11. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM CT.

Stay up to date on all USAO Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!

Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.com

Live-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao

YouTube: Drover Athletics

Twitter/X: @DroverAthletics

Facebook: @DroverAthletics

Instagram: @drover_athletics

GIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers