USAO Drops Overtime Thriller Against College of the Ozarks

SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. – Thursday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (3-5, 2-3 SAC) was dealt a tough 84-83 overtime loss on the road against College of the Ozarks (4-4, 2-3 SAC). 

On Thursday, the Drovers fell behind early on but used an 11-0 run to take a 15-12 lead with 12 minutes to play in the half.  The teams traded baskets down the stretch and College of the Ozarks managed to hold a 35-32 advantage going into halftime. 

Following the break, the Bobcats shot the ball well and held a 60-51 lead midway through the second half. The Drovers later used a 15-4 run to claim a 71-69 lead with 2:47 to play in regulation.

With the score knotted at 71-71, Ryein Kennedy scored the go-ahead dunk with 14.2 seconds to play in the game. The Bobcats knocked down a pair of free-throws with 3.0 seconds remaining to once again pull the score even at 73-73 and forced the game to go into overtime. 

The teams continued to trade baskets in overtime, but the Bobcats were able to outscore the Drovers 11-10 in the extra five minutes to claim the victory.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 34-73 (.466) from the field, 6-21 (.286) from beyond the arc, and 9-12 (.750) from the free-throw line. In comparison, College of the Ozarks shot 29-68 (.429) from the field, 14-35 (.400) from deep, and 12-13 (.923) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 28 points in the paint and hauled in 39 rebounds. In comparison, the Bobcats scored four points in the paint and grabbed 41 rebounds. 

USAO committed 10 turnovers, which led to seven points for CofO. Meanwhile, the Bobcats fumbled the ball 13 times, resulting in 21 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 12 fouls, while CofO was called for nine violations.

The score was tied 10 times throughout the contest and the lead was exchanged 13 times.

Four Drovers scored in double figures, led by Mohand Ammad with 21 points and four rebounds. Manny Gatkek added 16 points, nine rebounds, and a pair of blocked shots. Tyler Cauley and Cade Allen each tallied 10 points. Cauley hauled in four rebounds and blocked a shot, while Allen added two steals.

Ryein Kennedy concluded with eight points, followed by Jaden Harrell, Tre Edwards, and Lendy Holmes with six points each. Harrell added six rebounds and five assists, while Edwards grabbed five rebounds and dished out three assists. Holmes grabbed four rebounds. 

 WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Saturday, December 7 as they play a double-header at John Brown University. The women's game is scheduled to tip-off at 2:00 PM CT, followed by the men's contest at 3:45 PM CT inside Bill George Arena.

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