Drovers Shine and Take Down the Stars

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (6-8, 4-6 SAC) defended their home court and earned a 79-72 victory against Oklahoma City University (8-7, 4-7 SAC). The Drovers improve to 19-17 against the Stars since the 2007-08 season. 

After trailing for the opening few minutes of the game, the Drovers caught fire and outscored the Stars 48-37 in the first half. USAO was red-hot on offense, shooting 20-33 (.606) from the field and 5-10 (.500) from three-point range. 

Following the break, the Drovers got off to a good start and led by as many as 14 with 18:02 to play in the game. However, the Stars steadily chipped away at their deficit and took over a 61-60 lead with 8:54 to go in regulation. The Drovers immediately reclaimed the lead and outscored the Stars 19-11 in the final minutes.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 31-63 (.492) from the field, 8-19 (.421) from beyond the arc, and 9-10 (.900) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Oklahoma City shot 29-70 (.414) from the field, 1-15 (.067) from deep, and 13-15 (.867) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 38 points in the paint and hauled in 37 rebounds. In comparison, the Stars scored 46 points in the paint and grabbed 38 rebounds. 

USAO committed 10 turnovers, which led to five points for OCU. Meanwhile, the Stars fumbled the ball 10 times, resulting in 11 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 13 fouls, while OCU was called for 10 violations.

The Drovers were led by a pair of double-digit scoring performances from Mohand Ammad and Ryein Kennedy. Ammad registers 25 points and seven rebounds, while Kennedy added 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

Tre Edwards was a spark off the bench, tallying seven points and six rebounds, followed by Lendy Holmes with six points. 

Tyler Cauley was tremendous in the win, recording five points, eight rebounds, four assists, and a career-high of five blocks.

Jaden Harrell added two points, eight assists, and three steals. Harrell now has 368 assists in his career, ranking second in program history, only trailing Stephon Hall (417).

Roman Lutton scored four points in eight minutes off the bench, followed by Tatum Ridge and Zach Hays with two points each. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court as they host a double-header against Nelson University on Monday, January 6. The women's game is scheduled to tip-off at 6:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 7:45 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

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