Drovers Complete Regular Season Sweep Against SCU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (15-6, 11-4 SAC) extended their win-streak to four, with a 75-60 victory against Southwestern Christian University (10-11, 6-9 SAC). With the win, the Drovers improve to 18-11 against the Eagles all-time, dating back to November of 2012. Additionally, the victory keeps USAO in sole-possession of fourth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, 4.0 games back of John Brown University at the top.

Both offenses were efficient early in the contest, but USAO was able to jump out to a 21-14 lead after 10 minutes of play. The offenses continued to thrive in the second quarter, with the Eagles narrowly outscoring the Drovers by a margin of 20-16, and USAO held a 37-34 lead at the break. 

Following halftime, the Drovers once again got hot and gained some separation by outscoring the Eagles 19-8 in the third. USAO took a 56-42 into the fourth and matched baskets with SCU to maintain a comfortable lead down the stretch.

USAO closed the game shooting 29-64 (.453) from the field, 11-29 (.379) from beyond the arc, and 6-10 (.600) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Southwestern Christian shot 18-43 (.419) from the field, 9-19 (.474) from deep, and 15-18 (.833) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers outrebounded the Eagles by a margin of 36-29 and outscored SCU in the paint 34-16. 

USAO committed only eight turnovers, which led to 12 points for the SCU. Meanwhile, the Eagles fumbled the ball 17 times, which resulted in 21 points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 13 fouls, and SCU committed 12 infractions.

The Drovers were led by a pair of big performances from Crystal Ortiz and Diaka Berete. Ortiz concluded with 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Berete added 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals. 

Lainey Morrow and Brayanna Polk each finished with nine points in the win. Morrow added seven rebounds, three assists, and a pair of steals. Polk dished out a trio of assists and hauled in four rebounds. 

Jordan Bloomfield contributed eight points and four rebounds, while Tonijah Fortune scored eight points and dished out four assists. Trinitee Alexander closed with four points and four rebounds. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Saturday, February 3 as they host the 3^rd annual Legends Day, celebrating the historic career of Bisco McPherson. USAO will face MACU in a double-header on the hardwood, with the women's game tipping off at 2:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 3:45 PM inside Drover Fieldhouse.

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