USAO Cruises Into Postseason with Blowout Victory at OPSU

GOODWELL, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (11-17, 7-15 SAC) clinched a berth in the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament with a dominant 85-64 victory on the road at Oklahoma Panhandle State University (6-21, 4-18 SAC).

The teams traded baskets early in the contest, with USAO holding a slim 18-17 advantage midway through the first half. The Drovers would then catch fire and closed the half on a 24-9 run to take a 42-26 lead into the break.

Following halftime, the Aggies briefly trimmed into the Drovers lead, but USAO stabilized and controlled a comfortable 64-46 lead with 10 minutes to play in regulation. The Drovers finished the contest strong, clinching their spot in the postseason.

At the conclusion of the contest, USAO's offense shot 30-65 (.462) from the field, 5-15 (.333) from beyond the arc, and 20-33 (.606) from the free-throw line. In comparison, OPSU shot 20-63 (.317) from the field, 8-32 (.250) from deep, and 16-26 (.615) from the charity stripe.

The Drovers scored 40 points in the paint and hauled in 43 rebounds. In comparison, the Aggies scored 22 points in the paint and grabbed 49 rebounds.

USAO committed only four turnovers, which led to two points for OPSU. Meanwhile, the Aggies fumbled the ball 14 times, resulting in 20 points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 18 fouls, and OPSU committed 25 fouls.

Mohand Ammad led the Drover offense with 22 points on 8-16 shooting from the field. Ammad also grabbed nine rebounds and blocked two shots.

Bryce Cowns contributed 17 points, 6 rebounds, and a trio of steals, while Elijah Burney provided 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists off the bench. Jamouri McCalister did a little of everything, closing with 11 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.

Lendy Holmes finished with eight points, three rebounds, and three assists. Roman Lutton scored five points, trailed by Steve Tatsiguia with four, and Chris Yapo and Brett Nix with three points each.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers now head to Oklahoma City for the start of the postseason and will be the No. 8 seed in the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament. USAO will face No. 1 seed Nelson University on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 12:00 PM CT inside Abe Lemons Arena.

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