Drovers Overcome Slow Start and Win Big Against OPSU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Monday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (7-5, 5-3 SAC) overcame a slow start to claim a dominant 68-43 victory against Oklahoma Panhandle State University (1-11, 1-8 SAC). With the win, the Drovers improve to 12-2 against the Aggies all-time, a series that dates to January 2018.

On Monday, the Drovers struggled in the opening quarter and trailed the Aggies 12-10 after 10 minutes of action. USAO turned things around in the second quarter and dominated, outscoring OPSU 21-6 in the period, giving the Drovers a 31-18 advantage going into halftime. 

Following the break, the teams traded baskets in the third quarter, but USAO was able to narrowly outscore OPSU 17-15 in the frame and took a 48-33 lead into the final 10 minutes of action. The Drovers were in full control of the fourth quarter, outscoring the Aggies 20-10 to close out the win. 

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 27-56 (.482) from the field, 6-23 (.261) from beyond the arc, and 8-12 (.667) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Panhandle State shot 14-51 (.275) from the field, 6-27 (.222) from deep, and 9-14 (.643) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 38 points in the paint and hauled in 39 rebounds. In comparison, the Aggies scored 14 points in the paint and grabbed 30 rebounds. 

USAO committed 19 turnovers, which led to 12 points for OPSU. Meanwhile, the Aggies fumbled the ball 20 times, resulting in 22 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 18 fouls, while OPSU was called for 13 violations.

Three different Drovers scored in double figures, led by Caroliena Diaz near perfect shooting performance. Diaz concluded with a game-high of 16 points on 7-7 shooting from the field and 2-3 at the free-throw line. She also hauled in four rebounds and blocked one shot. 

Hannah Harris scored a season-high of 13 points on 5-6 shooting from the field. Harris also grabbed eight rebounds and dished out two assists. Evangelia Davlakou added 12 points, four rebounds, and a pair of steals. 

Alexia Corrales concluded with seven points, three rebounds, and two assists. Madison Crandall and Davielis Berroa each tallied five points in the win. 

Ashley Gonzalez scored four points, followed by Devynn Harris and Jasmine Villarreal with three points each. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will head into their winter break, prior to returning to action on Thursday, January 2 as they travel to Oklahoma City to face rival No. 18 Mid-America Christian University. Tip-off for the women's game is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 7:45 PM CT inside Gaulke Activity Center. 

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