Slow Start Proves Costly as USAO Suffers First Loss at Friends University

WICHITA, Kan. – Tuesday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (5-1, 2-0 SAC) nearly overcame a 21-point deficit but ultimately suffered a tough 66-64 loss on the road at Friends University (7-1, 2-1 KCAC). The Drovers are now 5-8 against the Falcons in head-to-head matchups since November 2006. After getting outscored 40-23 in the first half, USAO outscored Friends 41-26 in the final 20 minutes of the game. The  

The Falcons opened the game on a 7-0 run and proceeded to hold a 17-6 advantage midway through the opening quarter. Friends controlled a 22-12 lead going into the second frame. The Falcons led by as many as 21 points and outscored the Drovers 18-11 in the second quarter to take a 40-23 lead into the break. 

Following halftime, the Drovers looked reinvigorated and began to steadily chip away at the deficit. USAO trailed 47-34 midway through the third quarter, prior to trimming the deficit to 10 points (53-43) going into the final 10 minutes of regulation. With less just over two minutes to play, USAO got within five points (63-58). The Drovers continued to apply pressure and Evangelia Davlakou knocked down a pair of free-throws to pull within one with two seconds remaining (65-64). After a technical foul, the Falcons made one more free-throw prior to inbounding the ball as the final buzzer sounded. 

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 23-61 (.377) from the field, 5-16 (.313) from beyond the arc, and 13-17 (.765) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Friends shot 25-55 (.455) from the field, 6-21 (.286) from deep, and 10-16 (.625) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 18 points in the paint and hauled in 36 rebounds. In comparison, the Falcons scored 32 points in the paint and grabbed 37 rebounds. 

USAO committed 22 turnovers, which led to 31 points for Friends. Meanwhile, the Falcons fumbled the ball 25 times, resulting in 29 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 19 fouls, while Friends was called for 17 violations.

Evangelia Davlakou once again led the Drovers with 20 points on 5-10 shooting from the field, including 2-3 from deep. She also shot a perfect 8-8 at the free-throw line. Additionally, Davlakou dished out four assists and stole the ball five times on defense. The two-time SAC Offensive Player of the Week currently leads the conference in points per game (20.7), assists per game (4.3), steals per game (3.3), and three-point percentage (.500).

Mya Brown contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists, followed by Jordyn Rollins with eight points and three rebounds. Chaniya Dooly-Felton added six points and three steals. Pashonnay Johnson and Trinity Humphrey finished with five points each. Ti'Alone Banks and Nyapar Mathot both scored four points, and Hannah Harris tallied two points and six rebounds. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return home to host Langston University on Thursday, December 4 for the 4^th Annual Teddy Bear Toss game. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

The Teddy Bear Toss will take place at halftime of the women's game, and all stuffed animals will be donated to the local Salvation Army. Bring a stuffed animal to donate and you'll get into the games for FREE.

As usual, these types of events are made possible by our Cornerstone Athletic Partners, Chicken Express, Standley Systems, First National Bank and Trust, and 29^th Street Dental.

Stay up to date on all USAO Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!

Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.com

Live-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao

YouTube: Drover Athletics

Twitter/X: @DroverAthletics

Facebook: @DroverAthletics

Instagram: @drover_athletics

GIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers