Morrow Eclipses 1,000-Point Milestone in Thrilling Victory at SAGU

WAXAHACHIE, Texas –Thursday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (12-6, 8-4 SAC) returned to the win column with a 69-64 victory at Southwestern Assemblies of God University (10-7, 7-5 SAC). With the win, the Drovers have defeated the Lions in each of their last eight meetings. Additionally, the victory moves USAO into sole-possession of fourth-place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, 4.5 games back of John Brown University at the top.

 After a slow start to the game, USAO trailed 10-3 midway through the first quarter, and SAGU managed to take an 18-10 lead into the second. The Drovers made a 180-degree turnaround in the second quarter, outscoring the Lions 19-9 and took a 29-27 lead into halftime. 

Following the break, both teams traded baskets and the score was knotted at 37-37 midway through the third quarter. Each team scored eight points in the final five minutes of the third and the score was tied at 45-45 going into the fourth. The wheels began to fall off for USAO early in the fourth, trailing by as many as 10, but the Drovers would then catch fire and go on a 12-2 run to tie the game at 59-59 with just over two minutes remaining in regulation. The Drovers used a couple of clutch shots from Diaka Berete and Brayanna Polk in the final minutes to close out the massive come from behind victory.

Neither offense wasn't particularly sharp in the win, but the Drovers knocked down shots when they needed them the most. USAO closed the game shooting 26-69 (.377) from the field, 5-20 (.250) from beyond the arc, and 12-21 (.571) from the free-throw line. In comparison, SAGU shot 21-60 (.350) from the field, 6-24 (.250) from deep, and 16-24 (.667) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers outrebounded the Lions by a slim margin of 38-33 and outscored SAGU in the paint 30-18. 

USAO committed 12 turnovers, which led to 11 points for the SAGU. Meanwhile, the Lions fumbled the ball 15 times, which resulted in 16 points for the Drovers. The Drovers were whistled for 17 fouls, while the Lions committed 22 infractions. 

The Drovers were led by Lainey Morrow's historic performance, as she became the seventh player in program history to reach the 1,000-point milestone, and she surpassed Paige Pullimam on the program's scoring list to become the sixth highest scoring player to ever don the green and gold. Morrow concluded the win with 19 points on 7-12 shooting from the field, in addition to eight rebounds and a pair of blocks. In 80 career games at USAO, Morrow has produced 1013 points, 538 rebounds, 81 assists, and 89 steals. 

Diaka Berete scored all 13 of her points in the second half, including the go-ahead three-pointer with less than 30 seconds remaining in the game. Berete also hauled in seven rebounds. 

Crystal Ortiz was a massive key to success for USAO, contributing 11 points, nine rebounds, and a pair of steals. 

Brayanna Polk added nine points, five rebounds, three assists, and a pair of steals. Jordan Bloomfield followed with seven points and a pair of assists. Tonijah Fortune closed with five points, five rebounds, and three steals, while Trinitee Alexander finished with four points and three rebounds. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Saturday, January 27 as they host a double-header against University of North Texas Dallas. The women's game is scheduled to tip-off at 2:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 3:45 PM inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

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