Five Drovers Score in Double Figures in Win Against UNT Dallas

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (13-6, 9-4 SAC) stayed hot with a dominant 81-51 triumph against the University of North Texas at Dallas (2-11, 2-11 SAC). With the win, the Drovers have defeated the Trailblazers in five of their six meetings all-time. Additionally, the victory moves USAO into sole-possession of fourth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, 4.0 games back of John Brown University at the top.

USAO led from start to finish and used a terrific start to take a 17-8 lead into the second quarter. The Drovers outscored the Trailblazers 24-17 in the second and managed to take a comfortable 41-25 lead into halftime. 

Following the break, USAO continued to control the pace and outscored UNT Dallas by a margin of 26-17 to take a 67-42 advantage into the final 10 minutes of action. With a commanding lead going into the fourth quarter, the Drovers were able to empty the bench and still outscored the Trailblazers 14-9 before the final buzzer sounded. 

USAO closed the game shooting 28-62 (.452) from the field, 9-22 (.409) from beyond the arc, and 16-20 (.800) from the free-throw line. In comparison, UNTD only shot 19-60 (.317) from the field, 2-14 (.143) from deep, and 11-16 (.688) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers outrebounded the Trailblazers by a wide margin of 50-31 and outscored UNTD in the paint 36-26. 

USAO committed 11 turnovers, which led to six points for the UNTD. Meanwhile, the Trailblazers fumbled the ball nine times, which resulted in 11 points for the Drovers. The Drovers were whistled for 14 fouls, while the Trailblazers committed 16 infractions.

The Drovers used a well-balanced attack to earn the win, with five different players scoring in double-figures, led by Jordan Bloomfield's 17-point performance. Bloomfield shot 6-10 from the field, including 5-9 from three-point range, and she hauled in eight rebounds.

Crystal Ortiz recorded her third double-double of the season by producing 15 points and 10 rebounds. Ortiz also dished out four assists and she had a pair of steals on defense. 

Trinitee Alexander was a huge spark off the bench, providing 14 points and nine rebounds in 21 minutes of action. Diaka Berete concluded with 12 points and four rebounds, followed by Lainey Morrow with 11 points, five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. 

Devynn Harris tallied six points and two rebounds, while Tonijah Fortune added four points and four rebounds. Brayanna Polk dished out a game-high of seven assists, in addition to two points and three rebounds. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Monday, January 29 as they travel to Fort Worth to face Texas Wesleyan University. 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 the Sid Richardson Center.

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