USAO’s Season Ends on Controversial Buzzer-Beater

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Wednesday afternoon, the No. 8 seeded University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (11-18, 7-15 SAC) had their season brough to a heart-breaking conclusion, as they suffered an 88-87 loss in the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament quarterfinal against top seeded Nelson University (25-4, 19-3 SAC). The ending of the game was a controversial one, as USAO's Brett Nix appeared to have given the Drovers the win with a buzzer-beating three-pointer from 80-feet away. However, upon official review, the referees determined the shot was late and did not count…

The Lions used a strong start to jump out to an early 10-2 lead, prior to holding a 23-15 advantage midway through the first half. The Drovers would then catch fire and pulled the score even at 31-31 with 5:14 to play in the half. The teams exchanged baskets down the stretch, and the score was knotted at 45-45 after 20 minutes of play.

Following halftime, USAO scored the first basket, capturing their first lead of the game (47-45). The Drovers continued their momentum and possessed a 62-57 lead with 11:39 to play in regulation. The score remained close in the final minutes, as USAO clung to an 83-80 advantage with 2:47 on the clock. The teams traded baskets in the final minute and with the score tied at 87-87, the referees whistled USAO for a foul on a loose ball with 0.3 to go. The Nelson player missed first free-throw but converted on the second to take a one-point lead. Following a quick inbound pass, Brett Nix swished a shot from the opposing free-throw line, but following review, the basket was waved off, thus ending USAO's season.

At the conclusion of the contest, USAO's offense shot 29-78 (.372) from the field, 3-18 (.167) from beyond the arc, and 26-33 (.788) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Nelson shot 28-74 (.378) from the field, 8-29 (.276) from deep, and 24-39 (.615) from the charity stripe.

The Drovers scored 42 points in the paint and hauled in 57 rebounds. In comparison, the Lions scored 36 points in the paint and grabbed 53 rebounds.

USAO committed 13 turnovers, which led to 12 points for Nelson. Meanwhile, the Lions fumbled the ball 15 times, resulting in 18 points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 30 fouls, and Nelson committed 25 fouls.

USAO was led by five double digit scoring performances, as well as three double-doubles. Jamouri McCalister led the way with 28 points and 13 rebounds, followed by Lendy Holmes with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Bryce Cowns closed with 13 points and 11 boards.

Mohand Ammad contributed 15 points and six rebounds, trailed by Elijah Burney with 14 points and four rebounds.

--FOR REFERENCE--

"Art. 19. In any period, when the game clock or shot clock displays 10ths of seconds and play is to be resumed by a throw-in or a free throw when 3/10ths (.3) of a second or less remains on the game clock or shot clock, a player may not gain control of the ball and attempt a try for a field goal. Such player can only score a field goal by means of a tap of a pass or of a missed free throw."

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