Drovers Drop a Close One on the Road at No. 17 Nelson University

WAXAHACHIE, Texas – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (5-12, 1-10 SAC) had a late lead slip away and suffered a 106-96 loss on the road at No. 17 ranked Nelson University (15-3, 10-2 SAC).

The Drovers kept the score tight for the opening eight minutes, but by the midway point the Lions had built a 27-19 advantage. USAO did a great job to trade baskets and cut the deficit to 52-48 after 20 minutes of action.

Following halftime, nelson stretched the lead to 63-52 with 17:25 remaining, but the Drovers were able to catch fire and pulled the score even at 72-72 with 10 minutes to go in regulation. After the Drovers briefly held a four-point lead, the score was pulled even at 81-81 with less than six minutes to play. However, Nelson was torching the nylon in the final minutes, outscoring USAO 25-15 to put the game away for good.

At the conclusion of the contest, USAO's offense shot 29-72 (.403) from the field, 11-28 (.393) from beyond the arc, and 27-34 (.794) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Nelson shot 38-81(.469) from the field, 14-35 (.400) from deep, and 16-22 (.727) from the charity stripe.

The Drovers scored 28 points in the paint and hauled in 47 rebounds. In comparison, the Lions scored 46 points in the paint and grabbed 35 rebounds.

USAO committed 18 turnovers, which led to 26 points for Nelson. Meanwhile, the Lions fumbled the ball only eight times, resulting in six points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 20 fouls, and the Lions committed 25 fouls.

The Drovers offense was well-balanced with five players scoring 16 points or more, led by Jamouri McCalister's third double-double of the season. McCalister concluded with 19 points, 13 rebounds, and a pair of assists.

Bryce Cowns also scored 19 points, shooting 5-9 from the field, including 4-7 from deep. Cowns also hauled in four rebounds and stole the ball three times on defense.

Lendy Holmes contributed 18 points, six rebounds, and two blocks. Roman Lutton finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Mohand Ammad closed with 16 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Elijah Burney scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Monday, January 19 as they host MACU. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse.

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