Worth the Wait: Drovers Finish Off JBU after Yapo Shatters the Backboard

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Sunday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (10-16, 6-14 SAC) wrapped up the 83-78 win against John Brown University (10-16, 7-13 SAC). The game started on January 31 but was suspended with 10 minutes remaining in the second half after a backboard-shattering dunk from Chris Yapo. When play resumed on Sunday, USAO held a 63-52 advantage.

With two games remaining in the regular season, the Drovers sit in a tie for eighth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, and the top eight teams will qualify for the SAC Tournament later this month.

The Drovers got off to a good start, when the game began over two weeks ago, and possessed a 19-7 lead midway through the opening half. However, the Golden Eagles used an 18-4 run to pull within two points (25-23) with 3:28 to play. The Drovers would close the half strong and took a 37-30 lead into the break.

Following halftime, JBU controlled the pace and evened the score at 44-44 with 15:22 to play in regulation. USAO's offense would then heat up and held a 63-52 lead when Chris Yapo shattered the backboard with a remarkable dunk.

When play resumed on Sunday, the Golden Eagles quickly trimmed away at their deficit and cut the Drovers' lead to 77-76 with 1:27 to go. However, JBU would then be forced into fouling and USAO did a good job at knocking down their free-throws to close out the exciting victory.

At the conclusion of the contest, USAO's offense shot 26-57 (.456) from the field, 6-12 (.500) from beyond the arc, and 25-35 (.714) from the free-throw line. In comparison, JBU shot 27-61 (.443) from the field, 13-33 (.394) from deep, and 11-12 (.917) from the charity stripe.

The Drovers scored 40 points in the paint and hauled in 29 rebounds. In comparison, the Golden Eagles scored 26 points in the paint and grabbed 35 rebounds.

USAO committed seven turnovers, which led to seven points for JBU. Meanwhile, the Golden Eagles fumbled the ball 15 times, resulting in 25 points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 15 fouls, and JBU committed 15 fouls.

Jamouri McCalister led the way for the Drovers, contributing 25 points on 9-15 shooting from the field. McCalister also added eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Bryce Cowns concluded with 18 points on 6-9 shooting from the field, including 2-4 from deep and 4-4 at the free-throw line. Cowns also grabbed eight rebounds and stole the ball three times on defense.

Elijah Burney finished with 17 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Mohand Ammad scored eight points and dished out four assists, while Chris Yapo added seven points, four rebounds, and two blocks. Roman Lutton closed with five points, followed by Brett Nix with three.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Thursday, Feb. 19 at Wayland Baptist University. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM CT in Plainview, Texas.

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