Mathot and Banks Propel Drovers to Road-Win at OCU

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Monday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (16-6, 11-5 SAC) got back in the win column with an impressive 76-55 win on the road at Oklahoma City University (8-14, 4-12 SAC).

The Drovers jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, but the Stars bounced back and controlled a 9-7 advantage midway through the opening quarter. USAO closed the quarter strong and took a 20-16 lead into the second. The Drovers dominated the second quarter, outscoring the Stars 23-10, to control a 43-26 lead at the break.

Following halftime, the teams traded buckets, with OCU narrowly outscoring USAO 15-14, but the Drovers still possessed a comfortable 16-point lead going into the fourth (57-41). USAO finished strong, outscoring OCU 19-14 in the final 10 minutes to close out the road-win.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 27-62 (.385) from the field, 4-15 (.267) from beyond the arc, and 18-19 (.947) from the free-throw line. In comparison, OCU shot 19-54 (.352) from the field, 5-22 (.227) from deep, and 12-15 (.800) from the charity stripe.

The Drovers scored 40 points in the paint and hauled in 34 rebounds. In comparison, the Stars scored 20 points in the paint and grabbed 37 rebounds.

USAO committed 14 turnovers, resulting in nine points for OCU, while the Stars fumbled the ball 24 times, leading to 30 points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 16 fouls, while Stars was called for 14 violations.

The Drover offense was led by a pair of 20-point performances from Nyapar Mathot and Ti'Alone Banks. Mathot concluded with 24 points, nine rebounds, and a pair of steals, while Banks added 23 points, five rebounds, and two steals.

Trinity Humphrey provided a spark off the bench, going for eight points, six rebounds, and five steals. Chaniya Felton also closed with eight points, along with three assists. Jordyn Rollins finished with seven points, five rebounds, and three assists. Mya Brown chipped in six points and five assists.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Thursday, Feb. 5 as they host Central Christian College. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse.

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