Dominant Team Effort Propels USAO to Victory Against CCC

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (18-9, 14-7 SAC) returned to Brisco McPherson court and cruised to a dominant 98-49 victory against Central Christian College (5-22, 1-20 SAC). With the win, the Drovers have emerged victorious in all 14 matchups against the Tigers all-time, dating back to December of 2017. Additionally, USAO remains in fifth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, with one game remaining in the regular season.

The Drovers led from start to finish in an impressive effort in front of their home crowd. USAO took an early lead and held a 23-8 advantage after 10 minutes of action. The Drovers outscored the Tigers 22-16 in the second quarter and took a comfortable 45-24 lead into the break.

Following halftime, USAO continued to cruise and outscored CCC 22-6 in the third quarter. The Drovers took a 67-30 into the fourth quarter and proceeded to outscore the Tigers 31-19 in the final 10 minutes of play.

USAO's offense was terrific and closed the game shooting 42-82 (.512) from the field, 11-40 (.275) from beyond the arc, and 3-5 (.600) from the free-throw line. In comparison, CCC shot 17-57 (.368) from the field, 5-25 (.200) from deep, and 10-16 (.625) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers outrebounded the Tigers by a wide margin of 57-30, and 18 of USAO's rebounds came on the offensive end of the court. USAO outscored CCC in the paint 52-18.

USAO committed 12 turnovers, which led to nine points for CCC. Meanwhile, the Tigers fumbled the ball 17 times, resulting in 23 points for USAO. The Drovers were whistled for 15 fouls, while the Tigers were only called for eight fouls. 

 Five different Drovers scored in double figures, led by Diaka Berete with 20 points. Berete also contributed eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. Lainey Morrow recorded her 12^th double-double of the season as she scored 17 points and hauled in 12 rebounds. Morrow shot 7-9 from the field and she also recorded two steals on defense. 

Crystal Ortiz continued to shine as she concluded with 18 points on 8-13 shooting from the field, along with six rebounds and two steals. Jordan Bloomfield knocked down four three-pointers and finished with 12 points. Bloomfield also hauled in five rebounds and dished out three assists.

Trinitee Alexander scored 10 points and hauled in six rebounds, while Mikayla Green added nine points off the bench.

Laylin Scheffe scored five points, followed by Devynn Harris with three and Alexia Corrales with two.

Tonijah Fortune hauled in six rebounds and dished out six assists, while Brayanna Polk finished with five assists and four rebounds. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Saturday, February 24 as they host the regular season finale against Langston University. The double-header is scheduled to begin with the women's game at 2:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 3:45 PM inside Drover Fieldhouse. The Drovers will also be celebrating their senior class with their annual Senior Day ceremony.

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