Lockdown Defense Leads #24 USAO to Victory Against Northern New Mexico

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Tuesday evening, the No. 24 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (4-2, 0-0 SAC) got back on track with a 74-52 triumph against Northern New Mexico College (3-1, 0-0 CAC). Despite not having their best game on the offensive end, the Drovers used relentless defense to shut down the Eagles offense to cruise to victory. 

The Drovers once again got off to a bit of a slow start in the opening quarter and traded baskets with the Eagles, but USAO was able to cling to a 15-14 lead going into the second. The Drovers began to extend their lead in the second quarter, outscoring the Eagles 17-10 in the period, and took a 32-24 advantage into the break.

Following halftime, Northern New Mexico did their best to keep the game within striking distance and matched USAO's scoring output (14-14) in the third quarter. The Drovers took a 46-38 lead into the final 10 minutes of action and did an excellent job closing out the victory, outscoring the Eagles by a wide margin of 28-14 in the fourth.

The Drovers struggled on offense but still outperformed the Eagles, shooting 25-69 (.362) from the field and 5-26 (.192) from three-point range. One of the major keys to success for USAO was their ability to get to the free-throw line and knock down shots, going 19-22 (.864) at the charity stripe. Meanwhile, NNMC shot 18-65 (.277) from the field, 6-26 (.231) from deep, and 10-13 (.769) at the line. 

USAO commanded the rebounding battle by a margin of 50-43, and the Drovers forced the Eagles into committing 18 turnovers, while turning the ball over 12 times themselves. USAO was whistled for nine fouls, while NNMC committed 20 violations. 

 The Drovers used a well-balanced attack to overwhelm the Eagles, led by Crystal Ortiz's monster double-double performance. Ortiz recorded 14 points on 6-11 shooting from the field and she hauled in a season-high of 14 rebounds, eight of which came on the offensive end of the court. Additionally, Ortiz contributed three assists, three steals, and three blocks.

Lainey Morrow also had a terrific game, concluding with her second double-double of the season with 19 points and 10 rebounds. So far this season, Morrow is averaging 21.0 points per game on 69.9 percent shooting in only 24.8 minutes per game. 

Trinitee Alexander once again provided a huge spark off the bench, providing 12 points and five rebounds in 21 minutes of action. 

Mikayla Green scored a season-high of nine points, along with two rebounds and a trio of steals, followed by Brayanna Polk with eight points and three assists. 

Devynn Harris was very productive during her 10 minutes of playing time, contributing five points and three assists. Jordan Bloomfield finished with three points, while Tonijah Fortune and Diaka Berete each added a pair of points. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will be back in at Brisco McPherson Court on Thursday, November 30 as they host their annual Teddy Bear Toss game and conference-opener against SAGU. The women's game is scheduled to tip-off at 6:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 7:45 PM at Drover Fieldhouse.

Additionally, the USAO Athletic Department will be conducting a toy drive, in association with Droverthon. Donation boxes will be located at the admissions office, inside of Troutt Hall, as well as at the ticket gate. The toys will be donated to OU Children's Hospital, and each person that donates an unopened/new toy for the toy drive will get into that day's games for free.

Furthermore, there will be a Teddy Bear Toss at halftime of the women's game, and all stuffed animals will be donated to the local Salvation Army. Bring a stuffed animal to donate and you'll get into the games for FREE.

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