Drover Defense Smothers the Rams in Final Game of 2023

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (9-2, 4-1 SAC) headed into the winter break having earned their ninth victory in the last 10 games with a 69-61 triumph against Texas Wesleyan University (3-7, 1-4 SAC). With the win, the Drovers improve to 18-13 against the Rams all-time, dating back to November of 1973. Additionally, USAO has emerged victorious in six of the last eight games against TX Wes.

With the win, the Drovers improve to 4-1 in conference play, and sit in a tie for second in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings. USAO's key to success so far this season has been their depth and their ability to score the basketball at a high frequency as well as efficiency. The Drovers rank second in the SAC in points per game (86.5), first in field goal percentage (.500), and first in rebounds per game (44.5).

On Saturday, the Drovers got off to a slow start and trailed 14-12 midway through the first half. The Rams led by as many as six early on, but USAO began to heat up and used a big run to take a 31-25 lead into the break. 

Following halftime, USAO continued to stretch their lead and led by as many as 16 with 11:24 remaining in regulation. Down the stretch, the Rams were able to get the score close but were never a true threat to take over the lead.  

The USAO offense was less efficient than usual and finished the game shooting 25-59 (.424) from the field, 7-26 (.269) from beyond the arc, and 12-15 (.800) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Texas Wesleyan shot 23-63 (.390) from the field, 2-17 (.118) from deep, and 13-15 (.867) from the charity stripe. 

USAO was in full control of the paint, out-rebounding TX Wes by a wide margin of 46-32, and 11 of the Drovers' rebounds came on the offensive end of the court. The Drovers outscored the Rams in the paint 34-32.

Texas Wesleyan forced USAO into committing 18 turnovers, while fumbling the ball 13 times themselves. The Drovers were whistled for 19 fouls, and the Rams were called for 17 infractions.

The Drovers used a well-balanced offense to secure the victory, with six different players scoring at least eight points. Reggie Quezada and Niieihii BlackBear led the offense with 12 points each. Quezada added four rebounds, two assists, and three steals, while BlackBear added six rebounds and a block. 

Jayden Patcha and Anthony Ray each concluded with 10 points and four rebounds. Patcha was efficient on offense, shooting 4-5 from the field, and Ray contributed a pair of steals and blocks on defense. 

Jaden Harrell concluded with eight points, five rebounds, eight assists, and a pair of steals, while Logan Dolan finished with eight points and three rebounds. 

Cade Allen closed with four points and three rebounds, followed by Jaden Causwell with three points, three rebounds, and a pair of blocks. Tre Edwards added two points and two rebounds. Manny Gatkek did not score, but he made a big impact on defense with nine rebounds and a pair of blocks. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now go on winter break and will return to Brisco McPherson Court on January 4 as they host a conference double-header against Wayland Baptist University. The women's game is scheduled to tip-off at 6:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 7:45 PM inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

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