Slow Start Dooms #24 USAO at #21 Georgetown

GEORGETOWN, Ky. – Friday evening, the No. 24 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (3-1, 0-0 SAC) opened their Kentucky road trip with a tough 77-65 loss at No. 21 Georgetown College (7-0, 0-0 MSC). 

The Drovers got off to a rough start and trailed 8-0 midway through the opening quarter. The offense began to finally knock down a couple baskets and trailed 21-8 after 10 minutes of play. USAO opened the second quarter on a 12-6 run and trailed 27-20 with five minutes remaining in the half. Georgetown responded with a 9-3 run to extend their lead to 36-23 going into halftime.

Following the break, both teams traded baskets and Georgetown held a 47-34 lead midway through the third quarter. Both teams finished the third quarter with 23 points, giving the Tigers a 59-46 advantage going into the fourth. USAO managed to narrowly outscore Georgetown 19-18 in the final 10 minutes of action, but it was too little, too late for the Drovers.

The Drovers suffered their least efficient night on offense so far this season, only shooting 23-57 (.404) from the field, 5-20 (.250) from three-point range, and 14-27 (.519) from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, Georgetown shot 24-56 (.429) from the field, 6-17 (.353) from deep, and 23-27 (.852) at the charity stripe. 

Georgetown commanded the rebounding battle by a narrow margin of 40-35, and GC forced USAO into committing 22 turnovers, while turning the ball over 19 times themselves. The Drovers were whistled for 20 fouls, while the Tigers committed 23 violations. 

 Lainey Morrow led the USAO offense with a 24-point, eight-rebound performance. Furthermore, Morrow shot 10-14 from the field.

Trinitee Alexander contributed a spark off the bench, contributing 13 points, two blocks, and two steals in 22 minutes of action.

Diaka Berete finished with 10 points, followed by Jordan Bloomfield with eight. Brayanna Polk and Tonijah Fortune each closed with five points.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will be back in action tomorrow (Nov. 18) for a showdown at No. 1 ranked Campbellsville University at 4:00 PM CT in Campbellsville, Ky.

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