Drovers Win Physical Contest Against Northern New Mexico

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (5-7, 3-5 SAC) concluded the 2024 calendar year with a 77-68 triumph against Northern New Mexico College (4-17, 0-0 CAC). 

Northern New Mexico jumped out to an early lead, but the Drovers quickly established a lead of their own and never relinquished it. USAO held an 11-6 advantage midway through the half and proceeded to take a 32-24 into halftime. 

Following the break, the Drovers maintained a steady lead throughout the remainder of the contest. USAO led by as many as 15 with 12:26 to play and controlled a 54-45 lead with 10 minutes to go. The Drovers knocked down enough free-throws down the stretch to hold off the Eagles comeback attempt. 

Despite having a bad night from three-point range, the Drovers made up for it with an efficient performance around the basket at a high volume of free-throws. 

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 25-46 (.543) from the field, only 1-10 (.100) from beyond the arc, and 26-42 (.619) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Northern New Mexico shot 28-71 (.394) from the field, 7-23 (.304) from deep, and 5-14 (.357) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 34 points in the paint and hauled in 36 rebounds. In comparison, the Eagles scored 36 points in the paint and grabbed 43 rebounds. 

USAO committed 10 turnovers, which led to six points for NNMC. Meanwhile, the Eagles fumbled the ball 10 times, resulting in 14 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 15 fouls, while NNMC was called for 29 violations.

The Drovers offense used a well-balanced attack to overwhelm the Eagles, led by a 16-point performance from Mohand Ammad. Tyler Cauley and Cade Allen each scored a dozen points. Cauley shot 6-8 from the field, along with seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and three steals. Allen shot 6-11 from the field and added three rebounds and three assists. 

Ryein Kennedy contributed nine points and five rebounds. Jaden Harrell and Lendy Holmes each finished with seven points. Harrell hauled in five rebounds and dished out five assists, while Holmes corralled four rebounds. Zach Hays scored six points and grabbed four rebounds. 

Chok Garang scored four points, followed by Tre Edwards and Tatum Ridge with two points each.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will head into their winter break, prior to returning to action on Thursday, January 2 as they travel to Oklahoma City to face rival Mid-America Christian University. Tip-off for the women's game is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 7:45 PM CT inside Gaulke Activity Center.

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