Dominant Second Half Keeps USAO Undefeated

GOODWELL, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (3-0, 0-0 SAC) used an incredible second half to propel themselves to an impressive 96-64 victory on the road against University of the Southwest (3-1, 0-0 RRAC). The Drovers led by two at halftime, but then outscored the Mustangs by a wide margin of 59-29 in the final 20 minutes of the game. 

The teams exchanged baskets early in Saturday's contest, with USW holding a 12-9 advantage midway through the opening quarter. The Mustangs managed to cling to a slim 23-22 lead going into the second quarter. The second quarter was another tightly contested battle, with the Drovers outscoring the Mustangs 15-12 to take a 37-35 lead into the break.

Following halftime, the teams exchanged baskets, and the score was knotted at 46-46 midway through the third quarter. The Drovers caught fire in the final minutes of the quarter, using an 18-6 run to take a 67-55 advantage into the final 10 minutes of the game. USAO dominated the fourth quarter to stretch their lead to 30-points, outscoring USW 29-9 in the final frame. 

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 36-82(.439) from the field, 5-23 (.217) from beyond the arc, and 19-25 (.760) from the free-throw line. In comparison, USW shot 20-53 (.377) from the field, 12-31 (.387) from deep, and 12-14 (.857) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 56 points in the paint and hauled in 51 rebounds. In comparison, the Mustangs scored 12 points in the paint and grabbed only 29 rebounds. 

USAO committed only nine turnovers, which led to seven points for USW. Meanwhile, the Mustangs fumbled the ball 26 times, resulting in 36 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 16 fouls, while USW was called for 22 violations.

The Drovers once again used a well-balanced attack to take down their opponent, with four different players scoring in double-digits, and all nine players scored four points or more.

Leading the way was Nypar Mathot with 21 points on 9-10 shooting from the field, along with seven rebounds, a block, and a steal. Evangelia Davlakou contributed 17 points and five assists, while Jordyn Rollins added 16 points and four rebounds. Pashonnay Johnson scored a dozen points, in addition to three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. 

Hannah Harris played well in the paint, recording eight points and seven rebounds. Chaniya Dooly-Feltongrabbed a game-high of 10 rebounds, in addition to six points. Mya Brown finished with six points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Trinity Humphrey scored six points and hauled in three rebounds. Ti'Alone Banks concluded with four points, five rebounds, and three assists.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will be back in action on Thursday, Nov. 20 as they host their home-opener against conference-rival Oklahoma City University. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse.  

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