#18 USAO Comes Up Short Against Langston

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday evening, the No. 18 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (21-4, 15-4 SAC) suffered a disappointing 76-66 loss against Langston University (14-11, 9-10 SAC).

With three games remaining in the regular season, the Drovers sit 2.0 games back of #17 Texas Wesleyan University for the top spot in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings. The last time Science & Arts won the regular season title was in 2017-18, when Coach Darrick Matthews led the Drovers to a 27-6 record.

The Drovers got off to a tremendous start in the opening minutes, holding a 7-1 lead with 7:18 remaining in the first quarter. However, the Lions began to fight their way back and eventually took a 23-19 lead into the second. Langston continued to apply the pressure and outscored USAO by a margin of 19-14 in the second quarter, to take a 42-33 lead into the break.

Following halftime, the Drovers opened the half with a vengeance, using an 11-2 run to tie the score at 44-44 with 7:13 remaining in the third quarter. The two teams went on to trade baskets for the remainder of the quarter, and took a 54-54 tie into the fourth.

The Lions regained control in the fourth and did not give the Drovers a chance to recuperate, outscoring USAO by a margin of 22-12 in the final 10 minutes of action.

At the conclusion of the game, the Drovers shot 24-69 (.348) from the field, and just 3-22 (.136) from three-point range. In comparison, the Lions went 19-50 (.380) from the field, and 5-13 (.385) from deep.

Langston held a 49-40 advantage in the rebounding battle, but the Drovers outscored the Lions in the paint 38-26. LU committed 22 turnovers and USAO fumbled the ball 14 times. 

Furthermore, Science & Arts was whistled for 29 fouls, while LU was called for only 22 infractions. USAO went 15-22 (.682) from the free-throw line, while the Lions converted on 33-39 (.846) from the charity stripe.

Lainey Morrow led the Drovers, concluding with 16 points, eight rebounds, and two steals. Diaka Berete closed with 12 points, followed by Zaria Dorsey with 10.

Trinitee Alexander added eight points and a pair of blocks, while Brayanna Polk recorded six points, three assists, and three steals. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Saturday, February 11 as they host Central Christian College on Senior Day. The 2023 senior class will be recognized between the women's and men's games. Tip-off is scheduled for the women is 2:00 PM, followed by the men's game around 4:00 PM, inside Drover Fieldhouse.

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