Drovers Erase 17-Point Second Half Deficit to Take Down #2 Providence in Season Opener

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (1-0, 0-0 SAC) opened the 2024-25 season in historic fashion, earning a 65-61 overtime victory against No. 2 ranked University of Providence (0-1, 0-0 FC). 

The season opener featured the debut of 10 new players, as well as a new coaching staff (Head Coach Jaye Nayreau and Assistant Coach Jalen Kelso). The newcomers made immediately made an impact, leading the Drovers to one of the most impressive wins in program history. 

While the Drovers have been a regular at the NAIA national tournament over the last decade, the Argos have built a consistent national powerhouse. The Argos came into this season as the No. 2 team in the NAIA in the 24-25 Preseason Coaches' Top 25 Poll after advancing to the program's first NAIA National Championship game last season, where they were dealt a 57-53 loss against Dordt University. The No. 2 ranking is the highest ranking in program history for UP, and they have many impactful returners from last year's squad, including five players that started. Furthermore, Providence received seven of the 20 total first place votes in the Preseason Coaches' Top 25 Poll, only trailing Dordt's 12 first-place votes. 

On Thursday, the Drovers jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, but the offense went ice cold and the Argos used an 18-4 run to take an 18-9 advantage into the second quarter. Providence continued to cruise early in the second quarter and led by as many as 15 points with 3:11 remaining until halftime. However, the Drovers closed the half on a 6-1 run to trim their deficit to 30-20 after 20 minutes of action. 

Following halftime, the teams traded buckets with the Argos narrowly outscoring the Drovers 16-15, giving Providence a 46-35 lead going into the fourth quarter. USAO caught fire in the final 10 minutes of regulation, outscoring Providence 17-6 and forced the opener to go into overtime, tied at 52-52. 

In OT, Providence used a 9-4 run to claim a 61-56 advantage with 2:29 to play. However, the Drovers would then shutout the Argos 9-0 down the stretch, to emerge victorious with a thrilling 65-61 result. 

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 22-60 (.367) from the field, 7-24 (.292) from beyond the arc, and 14-19 (.737) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Providence shot 21-68 (.309) from the field, 10-33 (.303) from deep, and 9-14 (.643) from the charity stripe. 

Both teams scored 20 points in the paint, but the Drovers held a slim 46-44 advantage in the rebounding battle. 

USAO committed 16 turnovers, which led to 13 points for Providence. Meanwhile, the Argos fumbled the ball 17 times, resulting in 28 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 13 fouls, while UP was called for 21 violations. 

A trio of Drovers scored in double figures in the win, including a pair of 13-point performances from Evangelia Davalkou and Ashley Gonzalez. Davalkou added a team-high of eight rebounds, along with two assists and a steal. Gonzalez hauled in three rebounds and stole the ball once on defense. 

Franka Kraus provided 11 points on 4-6 shooting from the field, and she grabbed two rebounds. 

Devynn Harris concluded with eight points, three rebounds, and a pair of assists, followed by Madison Hays with six points and three rebounds. 

Caroliena Diaz finished with four points and five rebounds. 

Anna Kassim and Jasmine Villarreal each added three points. Kassim collected four rebounds, dished out two assists, and stole the ball once, while Villarreal grabbed two boards and passed out an assist. 

Alexia Corrales was great defensively, recording a game-high of four-steals, along with four rebounds, three assists, and two points.

Davielis Berroa added two points and a rebound, while Hannah Harris produced two steals, two rebounds, and two assists. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Saturday, November 2 for their Homecoming game against Arlington Baptist University. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. The men's team will follow, and host University of the Southwest at 4:30 PM CT.

USAO Softball Coach, Jadyn Wallis, will be inducted into the USAO Athletics Hall of Fame at halftime of the women's game. 

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