Slow Start Dooms USAO Against OPSU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (5-9, 1-7 SAC) opened the 2026 portion of the season with a tough 79-66 loss against Oklahoma Panhandle State University (3-10, 1-7 SAC). With the loss, the Drovers are now 12-3 against the Pioneers in head-to-head matchups since January 2018.

The game got off to a rough start for the Drovers, and the Aggies controlled a comfortable 25-12 lead midway through the opening half. OPSU continued to shoot it well and took a 48-31 advantage into the second half. 

Following the break, the Drovers looked reinvigorated and opened the half on a 13-2 run and trimmed their deficit to 50-44 with 14:07 remaining in the game. However, the Aggies would get back on track and gained separation down the stretch to close out the road-win.

At the conclusion of the contest, USAO's offense shot only 21-67 (.313) from the field, 2-24 (.083) from beyond the arc, and only 22-35 (.629) from the free-throw line. In comparison, OPSU shot 23-55 (.418) from the field, 13-32 (.406) from deep, and 20-25 (.800) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 36 points in the paint and hauled in 41 rebounds. In comparison, the Aggies scored 18 points in the paint and grabbed 39 rebounds. 

USAO committed four turnovers, which led to three points for OPSU. Meanwhile, the Aggies fumbled the ball six times, resulting in 13 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 22 fouls, while OPSU was called for 26 violations.

Mohand Ammad was the only Drover to score in double digits, concluding with 27 points on 9-18 shooting from the field. Ammad also grabbed a game-high of nine rebounds and dished out three assists.

Elijah Burney contributed six points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Lendy Holmes added six points and six rebounds. Bryce Cowns, Chris Yapo, and Brett Nix each closed with five points. Steve Tatsiguia added four points and seven rebounds, followed by Jamouri McCalister with three points and three rebounds. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Saturday, Jan. 10 as they host Wayland Baptist University. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse.

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