Drovers Cling to Victory in Rivalry Game at MACU

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Tuesday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (9-2, 6-1 SAC) battled their way to a 69-66 win at Mid-America Christian University (10-3, 5-2 SAC). With the win, the Drovers improve to 18-27 against the Evangels in head-to-head matchups since Nov. 2003. Additionally, USAO now leapfrogs MACU in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings and the Drovers now sit in a tie for first with Nelson University. 

The Drovers got off to a tremendous start, opening the game on a 13-3 run. Both offenses continued to shoot the ball well, but USAO controlled a 30-22 advantage going into the second quarter. The teams traded baskets in the opening minutes of the second quarter, and the Drovers held a 35-27 lead with five minutes to play in the half. USAO possessed a 39-32 lead after 20 exciting minutes of action. 

Following halftime, the Evangels quickly cut into their deficit and the Drovers led 44-41 midway through the third quarter. MACU briefly took a lead, but USAO bounced back and took a 54-48 lead into the fourth quarter. Both offenses were efficient at the start of the fourth and the Drovers held a 67-58 advantage with five minutes to play. MACU pulled within one point (67-66) with two minutes to play, but Mya Brown knocked down a pair of free-throws in the final minute to put the game on ice. 

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 23-56 (.411) from the field, 11-22 (.214) from beyond the arc, and 12-13 (.923) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Mid-America Christian shot 23-54 (.426) from the field, 12-30 (.400) from deep, and 8-9 (.889) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 18 points in the paint and hauled in 34 rebounds. In comparison, the Evangels scored 16 points in the paint and grabbed 28 rebounds. 

Both teams committed 22 turnovers, leading to 18 points for USAO and 20 for MACU. 

USAO was whistled for nine fouls, while MACU was called for 13 violations.

Evangelia Davlakou led the Drover offense with 20 points on 7-14 shooting from the field, including 6-11 from three-point range. Davlakou also dished out four assists and stole the ball three times on defense. 

Hannah Harris delivered another standout performance, one point shy of a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds. Was efficient offensively, going 4-6 from the field, and she added a pair of steals on defense. 

Pashonnay Johnson scored eight points and grabbed two rebounds. Chaniya Felton concluded with seven points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Ti'Alone Banks closed with seven points, a rebound, and an assist. Trinity Humphrey tallied six points and four rebounds, while Jordyn Rollins scored six points and hauled in a pair of boards.

Mya Brown scored four points, followed by Nyapar Mathot with two points and four rebounds. 

• Evangelia Davlakou is a 2x SAC Offensive Player of the Week this season
  • 1^st in SAC in assists (4.8 APG), 3^rd in scoring (16.5 PPG), 4^th in steals (2.7 SPG) 
  • ranks 4^th in the SAC in three-point percentage (.426) 

• Hannah Harris ranks 2^nd in the SAC in rebounds per game (9.0)

• Jordyn Rollins ranks 1^st in SAC in field goal percentage (.576)
  • Ranks 2^nd in SAC in three-point percentage (.464)

• Pashonnay Johnson ranks 3^rd in SAC in three-point percentage (.444)

• Chaniya Felton ranks 4^th in SAC in steals per game (2.7)

TEAM STATS

• • Drovers rank 2^nd in SAC in points per game (77.2)
  • 1^st in FG% (.445), 1^st in 3PT% (.386), 6^th in FT% (.700)
  • 1st in SAC and 8^th in NAIA in opp. FG% (.325)
  • 1st in SAC in opp. 3PT (.247)
  • 2^nd in Net Efficiency (.244), 2^nd in Off. Efficiency (.989)
  • 2^nd in SAC in Def. Eff. (.745)
  • 2^nd in SAC rebounds per game (42.1)
    • 3^rd in rebound margin (6.5)
  • 2^nd in blocks per game (2.9)
  • 2^nd in assists per game (15.7)
  • 3^rd in SAC in opp. Points per game (59.4)
  • +17.8 in average scoring margin 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Thursday, Dec. 18 as they host Lincoln Lion Day against Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse.

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