Second Half Struggles Prove Costly Against UNT Dallas

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Tuesday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (3-4, 2-2 SAC) struggled in the second half and suffered a 71-64 loss against University of North Texas at Dallas (5-4, 2-4 SAC). With the loss, the Drovers are now 4-3 against the Trailblazers all-time, dating to November 2021.

On Tuesday, the Drovers got off to a good start and led for the entire first half. USAO held an 18-11 advantage midway through the half and led by as many as 10 points with less than three minutes until halftime. After 20 minutes of action, the Drovers owned a 33-26 lead. 

Following the break, the Drovers extended their lead to as many as 15 with 13:46 remaining in regulation. 

USAO held a 57-46 lead with just over 10 minutes to play in the game. However, the Trailblazers began to storm their way back into the contest, using a 13-0 run to take a 59-57 lead with 6:37 to play in the game.

The Drovers gave their best efforts to try to reclaim the lead, but were unable to do so, as UNTD outscored USAO 12-7 in the final minutes.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 27-63 (.429) from the field, 6-19 (.316) from beyond the arc, and 4-5 (.800) from the free-throw line. In comparison, UNT Dallas shot 24-56 (.429) from the field, 6-15 (.400) from deep, and 17-22 (.773) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 26 points in the paint and hauled in 33 rebounds. In comparison, the Trailblazers scored 30 points in the paint and grabbed 39 rebounds. 

USAO committed nine turnovers, which led to 15 points for UNT Dallas. Meanwhile, the Trailblazers fumbled the ball nine times, resulting in nine points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 13 fouls, while UNTD was called for 14 violations.

The score was tied three times throughout the contest and the lead was exchanged just once.

Manny Gatkek and Cade Allen each scored a dozen points to lead the USAO offense. Gatkek also grabbed seven rebounds, dished out two assists, and stole the ball twice on defense. 

Ryein Kennedy contributed 10 points and four rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench. 

Tyler Cauley concluded with eight points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Mohand Ammad added eight points, eight rebounds, and two assists.

Jaden Harrell scored seven points and dished out a team-high of five assists.

Lendy Holmes tallied five points, followed by Tre Edwards with two.

 WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Thursday, December 5 as they travel to Siloam Springs, Ark. for a neutral-site double-header against College of the Ozarks. 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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