USAO Falls to MACU on Last-Second Free-Throw

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (15-7, 11-5 SAC) had their four-game win-streak snapped in heartbreaking fashion, with a 79-78 loss against Mid-America Christian University (16-6, 10-6 SAC). With the loss, the Drovers remain in sole-possession of fourth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, 5.0 games back of John Brown University at the top.

The rivalry game was incredibly evenly matched, with the lead being exchanged eight times and tied at six different points. 

The Evangels got off to a hot start and held a 12-4 lead midway through the opening quarter. However, the Drovers answered with a 9-3 run and cut the deficit to 15-13 after 10 minutes of action. Both teams shot the ball well in the second quarter, with each team scoring 22 points, and MACU held a slim 37-35 led at the break. 

The Drovers opened the second half on a 7-4 run and took a 42-41 lead with 7:44 remaining in the third quarter. The scored stayed tight late in the third quarter, but MACU was able to take a 58-56 advantage into the final quarter. The Evangels got off to a good start in the fourth quarter and owned a 75-66 lead with 3:04 to play, but the Drovers retaliated with a 12-3 run to tie the game at 78 with 11 seconds left on the clock. MACU had possession of the ball for the final 10 seconds and drew a controversial foul call with 0.3 seconds to go. The Evangel player made the first free-throw but missed the second to give MACU the one-point lead. USAO called a timeout and drew up an inbound play but were unable to convert before the final buzzer. 

USAO closed the game shooting 30-67 (.448) from the field, 6-23 (.261) from beyond the arc, and 12-19 (.632) from the free-throw line. In comparison, MACU shot 29-67 (.433) from the field, 9-21 (.429) from deep, and 12-15 (.800) from the charity stripe. 

The Evangels outrebounded the Drovers by a slim margin of 41-39 and outscored USAO in the paint 38-36. 

USAO committed only five turnovers, which led to nine points for the MACU. Meanwhile, the Evangels fumbled the ball 14 times, which resulted in 11 points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 13 fouls, and MACU committed 18 infractions.

The Drovers were led by four double-digit scoring performances from Lainey Morrow, Diaka Berete, Tonijah Fortune, and Trinitee Alexander. Morrow recorded her 10^th double-double of the season as she finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Berete concluded with 13 points and two steals. 

Fortune and Alexander each scored a dozen points. Fortune added four rebounds and four steals, while Alexander hauled in six rebounds and blocked two shots.

Jordan Bloomfield concluded with nine points on 3-8 shooting from beyond the arc. Crystal Ortiz concluded with six points and nine rebounds. Brayanna Polk added five points and three assists. Devynn Harris closed with three points. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now hit the road for a double-header at Oklahoma Panhandle State University on Thursday, February 8. The women's game is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 7:45 PM in Goodwell, Okla.

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