Drovers Unable to Close the Gap Down the Stretch Against #6 Nelson

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (9-16, 5-14 SAC) was dealt a tough 89-79 loss against No. 6 ranked Nelson University (22-4, 17-3 SAC).

The score was tight early in the contest, but Nelson began to gain separation midway through the first half, leading 81-21 with just under 10 to play until halftime. The Drovers got hot and pulled within two points (35-33) with 4:44 to play in the half, but the Lions closed the half on a 16-5 run to take a comfortable 51-38 lead into the break.

Following halftime, the Drovers looked reinvigorated and trimmed their deficit to 55-49 with 15:15 to play in regulation. The Lions withstood the Drovers' rally and possessed a 74-60 advantage midway through the second half. USAO pulled with seven points (81-74) with 3:26 to play, but were unable to get any closer down the stretch.

At the conclusion of the contest, USAO's offense shot 33-65 (.508) from the field, 7-18 (.389) from beyond the arc, and 6-12 (.500) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Nelson shot 32-76 (.421) from the field, 9-30 (.300) from deep, and 16-20 (.800) from the charity stripe.

The Drovers scored 42 points in the paint and hauled in 37 rebounds. In comparison, the Lions scored 40 points in the paint and grabbed 35 rebounds.

USAO committed 17 turnovers, which led to 17 points for Nelson. Meanwhile, the Lions fumbled the ball 12 times, resulting in 14 points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 20 fouls, and Nelson committed 18 fouls.

Four different Drovers scored in double digits, led by Mohand Ammad's 17 points, in addition to eight rebounds. Elijah Burney added 16 points, followed by Lendy Holmes with 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Jamouri McCalister concluded with 11 points and five rebounds.

Bryce Cowns closed with seven points and three rebounds, followed by Chris Yapo with six points, six rebounds, two steals, and three blocks. Roman Lutton added four points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Brett Nix scored three points and grabbed two rebounds.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Sunday, Feb. 15 for the conclusion of their game against John Brown University. The game will resume at 1:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. When the game resumes, there will be 10:00 minutes left in the second half, with USAO leading 63-52.

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