Drovers Win Big on the Road at SCU

BETHANY, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (7-2, 3-0 SAC) extended their win-streak to four with an impressive 92-64 performance on the road at Southwestern Christian University (5-4, 1-2 SAC). With the win, the Drovers improve to 17-11 against the Eagles all-time, dating back to November of 2012. Additionally, USAO has emerged victorious in seven of the last eight meetings against SCU.

Both teams struggled to get shots to fall in the opening minutes, but USAO held a narrow 6-4 lead midway through the first quarter. The Drover offense then caught fire and used a 17-9 run to take a 10-point (23-13) lead into the second quarter. SCU outscored USAO 17-16 in the second quarter, but the Drovers were still in control with a 39-30 lead at the break. 

Following halftime, after trading baskets for the opening five minutes of the second half, USAO held a 50-40 advantage. The Drovers closed the third quarter on a 13-6 run and owned a comfortable 63-46 lead going into the final 10 minutes of regulation. USAO dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Eagles 29-18 to close out the victory.

The USAO offense was very efficient and finished the game shooting 34-59 (.576) from the field, 10-16 (.625) from beyond the arc, and 14-16 (.875) from the free-throw line. In comparison, SCU shot 26-67 (.388) from the field, 3-17 (.176) from deep, and 9-12 (.750) from the charity stripe. 

USAO held a wide 42-25 advantage in the rebounding battle and outscored the Eagles in the paint 30-20.

The Drovers were whistled for 10 fouls, and the Eagles were called for 12 infractions. USAO committed 12 turnovers, while SCU only fumbled the ball six times.

Four of USAO's starters scored in double figures, led by a pair of double-double performances from Lainey Morrow and Diaka Berete. Morrow recorded her fifth double-double of the season as she scored 23 points and hauled in 10 rebounds, while Berete recorded her second double-double with 20 points and 10 boards. Furthermore, Morrow shot 9-14 from the field and blocked two shots on defense. Berete dished out five assists and shot 6-12 from the field, including 3-5 from deep.

Jordan Bloomfield also had a terrific game, concluding with 16 points on 6-9 shooting from the field. Tonijah Fortune was one assist shy of a double-double as she contributed 14 points and nine assists. Additionally, Fortune shot 6-7 from the field and hauled in five rebounds. 

Devynn Harris added a spark off the bench with nine points on 3-6 shooting from deep. Trinitee Alexander and Crystal Ortiz each delivered four points, followed by Qadira Hamilton with two.

WHAT'S NEXT?

 The Drovers will return to the court on Monday, December 11 as they play on the road at Mid-America Christian University. The women are scheduled to tip-off at 6:00 PM CT, followed by the men at 7:45 PM in Oklahoma City, Okla.

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