Texas Wesleyan Stuns USAO in the Final Minute

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (5-11, 1-9 SAC) was dealt a heartbreaking 71-70 loss against Texas Wesleyan University (11-5, 7-4 SAC). 

The Drovers jumped out to an early 10-1 lead, but the Rams would respond with a run of their own and the score was knotted at 20-20 midway through the half. The teams would exchange buckets for the remainder of the half, but USAO was able to cling to a 40-36 advantage at the break. 

Following halftime, the score remained tight, with the Rams keeping within five points of the Drovers for the opening 12 minutes of the half. With 7:55 remaining, USAO possessed their largest lead of the game (66-55). However, Texas Wesleyan responded with a 13-2 run to pull the score even at 68-68 with 3:53 to go in regulation. The Rams took a two-point lead after a pair of free-throws with 2:39 on the clock. Mohand Ammad then pulled the Drovers even at 70-70 with a layup with 57 seconds to play. Texas Wesleyan was able to score the go-ahead point on a free-throw with five seconds to go, giving the Drovers a chance at the win, but were unable to convert at the buzzer.

At the conclusion of the contest, USAO's offense shot 23-61 (.377) from the field, 10-26 (.385) from beyond the arc, and only 14-23 (.609) from the free-throw line. In comparison, TX WES shot 25-57 (.439) from the field, 10-26 (.385) from deep, and 11-15 (.733) from the charity stripe. 

Both teams scored 22 points in the paint, but the Drovers outrebounded the Rams 36-33.

USAO committed 14 turnovers, which led to 12 points for TX WES. Meanwhile, the Rams fumbled the ball 13 times, resulting in 13 points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 14 fouls, and the Rams committed 17 fouls. 

Three Drovers scored in double digits, led by Lendy Holmes' 20-point performance. Holmes shot 5-11 from the field, including 4-10 from beyond the arc. He also hauled in five rebounds. 

Chris Yapo recorded his third double-double of the season with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and a pair of steals. Mohand Ammad produced 15 points and three steals. 

Elijah Burney added eight points and three assists, while Bryce Cowns scored seven points and distributed two assists. Brett Nix closed with five points, and Jamouri McCalister added eight rebounds, along with two points. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now hit the road and travel to Waxahachie, Texas on Saturday, Jan. 17 at Nelson University. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM CT.

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