Second Half Rally Comes up Short Against University of the Southwest

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (1-1, 0-0 SAC) was dealt a tough 77-63 loss against University of the Southwest shot (1-0, 0-0 RRAC). 

The Mustangs led from start to finish in Saturday's contest, and they used a hot start to build a comfortable lead in the first half. USW opened the game on a 9-1 run, but USAO began to trim the deficit and trailed 16-11 midway through the first half. However, the Mustangs would go on another scoring run and led by as many as 19 with 4:34 to go until halftime. The Drovers trailed 40-25 after 20 minutes of action. 

Following halftime, USW once again came out firing and held their largest lead (21-points) with 16:14 remaining in the game. The Drovers would then catch fire, using a 19-6 run to trim the deficit to 57-49 with 11 minutes to play. Unfortunately, that is as close as the Drovers would get, with the Mustangs using a 20-14 run down the stretch to close out their first win of the season. 

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 24-56 (.429) from the field, 5-17 (.294) from beyond the arc, and 10-16 (.625) from the free-throw line. In comparison, University of the Southwest shot 26-56 (.464) from the field, 7-27 (.259) from deep, and 18-26 (.692) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 34 points in the paint and hauled in 36 rebounds. In comparison, the Mustangs scored 32 points in the paint and grabbed 34 rebounds. 

USAO committed 15 turnovers, which led to 18 points for USW. Meanwhile, the Mustangs fumbled the ball only four times, resulting in only two points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 15 fouls, while USW was called for 20 violations.

Manny Gatkek led USAO with his first double-double of the season, contributing team highs of 19 points and 11 rebounds. Gatkek shot an efficient 9-16 from the field, and he added two blocks on defense.

Mohand Ammad concluded with 13 points and six rebounds, followed by Cade Allen with 12 points and three assists.

Jaden Harrell added eight points and a team-high in assists with five. Tre Edwards scored seven points and three assists, trailed by Tyler Cauley with four points and four rebounds. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will play their first road-game on Friday, November 8 as they travel to No. 13 ranked LSU Shreveport. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:00 AM CT inside "The Dock".

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