#25 USAO Scores 100 in Season Opener Against ABU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (1-0, 0-0 SAC) opened the 2023-24 season in style with a dominant 100-47 victory on Homecoming weekend against Arlington Baptist University (0-3, 0-0 NCCAA). 

The Drovers gave their Homecoming crowd a lot to celebrate as they never trailed in the season opener. USAO quickly captured the lead and never let their foot off the gas pedal. After 10 minutes of action, the Drovers held a 30-8 lead, and USAO outscored ABU in the second quarter by a margin of 26-16 to take a 56-24 lead into the break.

Following halftime, ABU showed signs of life and outscored USAO 16-14 in the third quarter, but USAO still head a commanding 70-40 lead going into the fourth quarter. The Drovers outscored the Patiots by a wide margin of 30-7 to wrap up the victory.

Offensively, the Drovers outperformed the Eagles in every category, as well as commanded the rebounding battle. USAO shot 40-76 (.526) from the field and 8-24 (.333) from deep, while ABU only went 15-55 (.273) from the field and 5-27 (.185) from beyond the arc. USAO outscored ABU in the paint, by a margin of 62-18.

USAO held a large 56-35 advantage in the rebounding battle, which included 19 offensive rebounds for the Drovers. Additionally, the Drovers forced the Patriots into committing 29 turnovers, 20 of which because of an USAO steal. ABU forced USAO into committing 19 turnovers, 12 of which came off steals. 

Both teams were whistled for 20 fouls, with USAO going 12-18 (.667) at the free-throw line, and ABU went 12-21 (.571) at the charity stripe.

Lainey Morrow led all players with 26 points as she went 11-15 from the field, and she also added 11 assists to record her first double-double of the season.

Jordan Bloomfield also delivered an incredible performance, going 5-6 from three-point range to finish with 19 points. Bloomfield also grabbed four rebounds.

Diaka Berete added 14 points, six rebounds, and a trio of assists while Trinitee Alexander contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Crystal Ortiz and Alexia Corrales each finished with seven points. Corrales also added five rebounds, four assists, and three assists.

Brayanna Polk was solid as usual, providing six points and three steals. 

Tonijah Fortune was electric all-around and finished with five points, six rebounds, six assists, and four steals. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now hit the road for the first time this season as they play a pair of games at the Tabor Classic in Hollsboro, Kan. on Nov. 10-11. USAO will face Bethany College (Kan.) on Friday, Nov. 10 at 2:00 PM CT, followed by a showdown with the host Tabor College (Kan.) on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 3:00 PM.

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