Take That to the Bank! Drovers Pull Away from Nelson in the Second Half

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (18-8, 13-7 SAC) delivered an impressive Senior Day performance with a 75-60 win against Nelson University (20-4, 16-4 SAC). With the win, the Drovers improve to 20-7 in head-to-head matchups against the Lions since Nov. 2003.

The first half was tightly contested, with the Drovers holding a slim 23-19 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The teams traded baskets in the second quarter, with USAO outscoring Nelson 13-12 and took a 36-31 advantage into the break.

Following halftime, the Drovers began to crank up the heat offensively, outscoring the Lions 15-12 in the third quarter and took a 51-43 lead into the final 10 minutes of the game. The Drovers controlled the fourth quarter, outscoring the Lions 24-17 to put the game out of reach.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 26-70 (.371) from the field, 5-27 (.185) from beyond the arc, and 18-23 (.783) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Nelson shot only 20-71 (.282) from the field, 7-31 (.226) from deep, and 13-19 (.684) from the charity stripe.

The Drovers scored 34 points in the paint and hauled in 48 rebounds. In comparison, the Lions scored 20 points in the paint and grabbed 37 rebounds.

USAO committed 20 turnovers, resulting in 20 points for Nelson, while the Lions fumbled the ball 21 times, leading to 15 points for the Drovers. USAO was whistled for 17 fouls, while Lions were called for 19 violations.

Four different Drovers scored in double digits, including Ti'Alone Banks with 26 points on 9-18 shooting from the field. Banks also hauled in seven rebounds and stole the ball twice on defense.

Evangelia Davlakou flirted with a triple-double, closing with 14 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Nyapar Mathot recorded her fifth double-double of the season as she contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds. Chaniya Felton closed with 12 points, five rebounds, and six steals.

Jordyn Rollins finished with eight points, five rebounds, and two steals, while Mya Brown added four points and four rebounds.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Thursday, Feb. 19 as they travel to Wayland Baptist University. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT in Plainview, Texas.  

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