Burney’s 31 Points Leads USAO Past Central Christian

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (8-14, 4-12 SAC) earned their third win in the last four games with a 92-89 victory against Central Christian College (9-13, 4-12 SAC). With the win, the Drovers improve to 13-3 against the Tigers in head-to-head matchups since Dec. 2017. Furthermore, USAO has won 12 of the last 13 meetings between the conference-foes.

The teams traded baskets early in the contest and the Drovers held a slim 23-18 advantage midway through the first half. USAO got hot and led by as many as 10 points with 4:37 remaining until halftime. However, the Tigers responded with a run of their own and trimmed the Drovers' lead to 43-41 going into the break.

Following halftime, the Tigers were on fire and took a 10-point lead (60-50) with 15:19 to play in regulation. The Drovers then began to turn things around and pulled the score even at 67-67 with 9:45 to play. With four minutes to play, USAO controlled an 82-75 lead, but CCC would not go away, pulling within one point (88-87) with 28 seconds remaining. The Drovers knocked down their free-throws down the stretch to close out the win.

At the conclusion of the contest, USAO's offense shot 28-54 (.519) from the field, 7-20 (.350) from beyond the arc, and 29-38 (.763) from the free-throw line. In comparison, CCC shot 30-62 (.484) from the field, 7-23 (.304) from deep, and 22-26 (.846) from the charity stripe.

The Drovers scored 34 points in the paint and hauled in 29 rebounds. In comparison, the Tigers scored 36 points in the paint and grabbed 24 rebounds.

USAO committed 15 turnovers, which led to 20 points for CCC. Meanwhile, the Tigers fumbled the ball 13 times, resulting in 14 points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 20 fouls, and CCC committed 26 fouls.

Five different Drovers scored in double digits, led by Elijah Burney's 31 points on 9-15 shooting from the field, including 3-6 from deep, and 10-12 from the free-throw line. Burney also hauled in four rebounds. Mohand Ammad added 14 points and nine rebounds, followed by Bryce Cowns with 13 points and four rebounds. Jamouri McCalister concluded with 12 points, five assists, and a pair of steals, while Chris Yapo added 12 points, six rebounds, and two steals.

Lendy Holmes and Roman Lutton each scored five points in the win.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Saturday, Feb. 7 as they travel to Langston University. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM CT in Langston, Okla.

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