Holmes’ Career Performance Lifts USAO to Victory Against Texas Wesleyan

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (3-3, 2-1 SAC) earned a hard fought 76-71 victory against Texas Wesleyan University (4-2, 0-2 SAC). With the win, the Drovers improve to 19-14 against the Rams all-time, dating to November 1973.

On Saturday, the Rams got off to a good start and held a five-point lead three minutes into the opening half, but the Drovers bounced back and led by as many as 15-points with less than six to play in the half. Texas Wesleyan used a late run to trim the deficit, but USAO clung to the lead and took a 39-32 advantage into halftime. 

Following the break, the second half was very evenly matched but the Rams only trailed 54-52 with just under 11 minutes remaining in regulation. TX WES knocked down a three-pointer with 9:39 to play and held a 57-56 lead, prior to increasing their lead to five (62-57) with just over seven minutes to go. 

The Rams held a slim 67-65 advantage with 3:20 to play, but the Drovers heated up again down the stretch, outscoring the Rams 11-4 in the final three minutes of regulation.  

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 27-59 (.458) from the field, 11-23 (.478) from beyond the arc, and 11-18 (.611) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Texas Wesleyan shot 28-64 (.438) from the field, 6-20 (.300) from deep, and 9-10 (.900) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 30 points in the paint and hauled in 31 rebounds. In comparison, the Rams scored 44 points in the paint and grabbed 43 rebounds. 

USAO committed only nine turnovers, which led to 12 points for Texas Wesleyan. Meanwhile, the Rams fumbled the ball 14 times, resulting in 15 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 11 fouls, while TX WES was called for 17 violations.

Lendy Holmes led the Drovers with the best performance of his young career, scoring 21 points on 6-9 shooting from the field, including 5-8 from beyond the arc. Holmes also hauled in six rebounds and dished out two assists.

Ryein Kennedy and Manny Gatkek each provided a dozen points for the Drovers. Kennedy contributed five rebounds, two assists, four steals, and two blocks, while Gatkek grabbed five rebounds, dished out a pair of assists, and blocked a pair of shots. 

Mohand Ammad concluded with 10 points, three assists, and a couple of steals, followed by Cade Allen with eight points.

Jaden Harrell closed with four points, four rebounds, and six assists. Tyler Cauley scored five points, grabbed two rebounds, dished out two assists, and stole the ball twice on defense. 

Tre Edwards added two points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Zach Hays scored two points in his first appearance since returning from injury.

 WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson court for a double-header against UNT Dallas on Tuesday November 26. The women's game is scheduled to tip-off at 6:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 7:45 PM.

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