Early Deficit Proves Costly at #1 Campbellsville

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Saturday afternoon, the No. 24 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (3-2, 0-0 SAC) once again was doomed by a slow start and suffered an 80-54 loss at #1 Campbellsville University (4-0, 0-0 MSC). After a dreadful first quarter, the Drovers matched the Tigers scoring output with 52 points in the final 30 minutes of the game.

The Drovers got off to a rough start and the Tigers quickly jumped out to a 10-0 lead. Following USAO's first basket, Campbellsville went on an 18-0 run to close out the quarter and took a 28-2 lead into the second. 

The Drovers got off to a much better start to the second quarter, opening on a 10-2 run to cut the deficit to 30-12 with 6:26 until halftime. However, the Tigers regained traction and took a commanding 45-18 lead into the break. 

Following halftime, USAO opened the second half on a 15-3 run to cut the deficit to 48-33. However, CU responded with a 10-0 run of their own and took a 60-37 lead into the fourth. Campbellsville narrowly outscored USAO 20-17 in the final 10 minutes of action.

The Drovers struggled on offense against the Tigers, only shooting 21-62 (.339) from the field, 7-24 (.292) from three-point range, and 5-9 (.556) from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, Campbellsville shot 29-57 (.509) from the field, 4-15 (.267) from deep, and 18-24 (.750) at the charity stripe. 

Campbellsville commanded the rebounding battle by a margin of 37-25, and CU forced USAO into committing 20 turnovers, while turning the ball over 18 times themselves. The Drovers were whistled for 18 fouls, while the Tigers committed 15 violations. 

USAO was led by Brayanna Polk's 17 points on 6-13 shooting from the field. Jordan Bloomfield concluded with 11 points, followed by Lainey Morrow with 10 points and five rebounds. Tonijah Fortune closed with nine points, four assists, and three steals. Diaka Berete added five points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Crystal Ortiz tallied two points and hauled in six rebounds. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will be back in at Brisco McPherson Court on Tuesday, November 21 as they host a non-conference matchup against Northern New Mexico College. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

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