Kassim and Davlakou Lead USAO to Victory on the Road at JBU

SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (6-4, 4-2 SAC) got back on track with an impressive 65-59 victory on the road at John Brown University (5-5, 3-3 SAC). 

On Saturday, the Drovers used a strong start to hold an early 8-4 advantage midway through the opening quarter. USAO closed the quarter on a 6-0 run and took a 14-4 lead into the second. JBU turned things around in the second quarter, outscoring USAO 16-11 to trim their deficit to 25-20 going into halftime. 

Following the break, the Drovers opened the half on a 6-0 run to immediately increase their lead to double-digits once again. The teams traded baskets for the remainder of the period, with USAO ultimately outscoring JBU 21-18 in the third quarter, and took a 46-38 lead into the final 10 minutes of action.

The fourth quarter was very tightly contested as the teams continued to match each other shot for shot. JBU narrowly outscored USAO 21-19 in the fourth, but the Drovers were able to cling to the 6-point victory on the road.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 24-49 (.490) from the field, 4-14 (.286) from beyond the arc, and 13-17 (.765) from the free-throw line. In comparison, John Brown University shot 19-61 (.311) from the field, 7-28 (.250) from deep, and 14-16 (.875) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 36 points in the paint and hauled in 31 rebounds. In comparison, the Golden Eagles scored 30 points in the paint and grabbed 37 rebounds. 

USAO committed 11 turnovers, which led to 11 points for JBU. Meanwhile, the Golden Eagles fumbled the ball nine times, resulting in 11 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 17 fouls, while JBU was called for 16 violations.

Despite the score being close throughout the contest, USAO possessed the lead from start to finish

The Drovers were led by a pair of impressive performances from Anna Kassim and Evangelia Davlakou. Kassim delivered a season-high of 17 points on 5-10 shooting from the field, including 2-5 from deep and 5-6 at the free-throw line. Kassim also hauled in four rebounds and stole the ball twice on defense. Davlakou dished out a team-high of four assists, in addition to two rebounds and a steal. 

Devynn Harris concluded with nine points and four rebounds, while Madison Hays added seven points two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Ashley Gonzalez scored six points in 11 minutes off the bench. Hannah Harris hauled in a team-high of 10 rebounds, along with five points.

Franka Kraus, Davielis Berroa, and Alexia Corrales each scored two points in the win.

 WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Tuesday, December 10 as they play an exhibition game at Pittsburg State University (NCAA DII). Tip-off is scheduled for 11:30 AM CT in Pittsburg, Kan. 

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