Second Half Struggles Lead to Defeat at #16 MACU

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Monday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (7-3, 3-1 SAC) had their four-game win-streak snapped with a 90-75 loss on the road at No. 16 ranked Mid-America Christian University (9-1, 3-1 SAC). With the loss, the Drovers fall to 17-22 against the Evangels all-time, dating back to November of 2003. 

Both teams shot the ball well in the opening quarter, but USAO was able claim a 20-18 lead after 10 minutes of action. Offense continued to shine for both teams in the second quarter and the score was knotted at 31-31 with five minutes to play until halftime. MACU was able to narrowly edge the Drovers in the closing minutes and took a 44-42 lead into the break. 

In the first half, the lead was exchanged 18 times and neither team led by more than four points. 

Following halftime, the Evangels took full control, outscoring the Drovers 27-19 in the third quarter and took a 71-61 lead into the fourth. MACU continued to extend their lead in the final 10 minutes of action and outscored USAO 19-14.

The USAO offense finished the game shooting 31-66 (.470) from the field, 6-27 (.222) from beyond the arc, and 7-12 (.583) from the free-throw line. In comparison, MACU shot 32-71 (.451) from the field, 8-20 (.400) from deep, and 18-22 (.818) from the charity stripe. 

MACU held a 45-37 advantage in the rebounding battle and outscored the Drovers in the paint 42-32.

The Drovers were whistled for 16 fouls, and the Evangels were called for 17 infractions. USAO committed 16 turnovers, while MACU only fumbled the ball 11 times.

Lainey Morrow and Crystal Ortiz led the Drovers on offense, with 16 points each. Morrow added seven rebounds and a pair of blocks, while Ortiz grabbed three rebounds and blocked three shots. 

Trinitee Alexander produced 11 points and a pair of assists in 17 minutes off the bench. Diaka Berete concluded with 10 points, four rebounds, and a pair of steals. 

Brayanna Polk closed with seven points and five assists, followed by Devynn Harris and Tonijah Fortune with six points each. Jordan Bloomfield added three points, six rebounds, and four assists. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Thursday, December 14 as they play an exhibition game at Oral Roberts University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT inside the Mabee Center.

Additionally, the USAO Alumni Association will be hosting the "Drovers Take Tulsa" alumni reception at the River Spirit Resort for the USAO Drovers Take Tulsa Reception kicking off at 4:30 PM in the "It's Five O'clock Somewhere" bar. Then head to the Mabee Center to cheer on our USAO women's basketball team. For more information CLICK HERE. 

Stay up to date on all Drover Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!

Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.com

Live-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao

YouTube: Drover Athletics

Twitter/X: @DroverAthletics

Facebook: @DroverAthletics

Instagram: @drover_athletics

GIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers