Nelson Rallies Late to Edge USAO in Texas

WAXAHACHIE, Texas – Monday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (2-3, 1-1 SAC) suffered a tough 63-56 loss on the road at Nelson University (4-2, 2-1 SAC).

The Drovers got off to a hot start and used an 8-2 run to hold a lead five minutes into the first half. USAO proceeded to hold a 16-9 advantage midway through the half, but Nelson tightened things down the stretch and cut the Drovers' lead to 26-22 going into halftime.

Following the break, Nelson opened the second half on a 14-3 run to hold a 36-29 lead with just over 15 minutes to play in regulation. However, the Drovers answered with an 11-4 run to reclaim a 40-39 lead midway through the half. 

The Lions would catch fire once more and used a 16-5 run to own a 55-45 lead with just under four minutes to play. Nelson held strong down the stretch to close out the seven-point win.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 20-54 (.370) from the field, 6-21 (.286) from beyond the arc, and 10-14 (.714) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Nelson shot just 24-61 (.393) from the field, 6-25 (.240) from deep, and 9-15 (.600) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 22 points in the paint and hauled in 30 rebounds. In comparison, the Lions scored 30 points in the paint and grabbed 37 rebounds. 

USAO committed 14 turnovers, which led to 19 points for Nelson. Meanwhile, the Lions fumbled the ball 11 times, resulting in 12 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 13 fouls, while NU was called for 16 violations.

Manny Gatkek led the Drovers with 12 points, seven rebounds, and five blocks, followed by Mohand Ammad with 11 points and three rebounds. 

Ryein Kennedy and Cade Allen each contributed 10 points. Kennedy added a team-high of eight rebounds, while Allen hauled in four. 

Jaden Harrell concluded with seven points and a season-high of eight assists. Tre Edwards added five points and two assists, while Tyler Cauley tallied one point, two rebounds, and a assist.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers return home to Brisco McPherson Court on Saturday, November 23 as they host a double-header against Texas Wesleyan University. The women's game will tip-off at 2:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 3:45 PM inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

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