Tigers Outlast the Drovers in Kansas

MCPHERSON, Kan. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (10-17, 8-15 SAC) was dealt a disappointing 74-69 loss on the road at Central Christian College (16-11, 12-11 SAC). Prior to Thursday night, the Drovers had won 11 in a row against the Tigers since 2019.

With the loss, the Drovers are now eliminated from playoff contention with one game remaining in the regular season. USAO sits in 10th place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, with the top eight teams in the conference qualifying for the conference tournament, and the top four seeded teams will host the first round, prior to the tournament being moved to Langston University for the semifinals and finals. 

On Thursday, the Drovers jumped out to an early lead and controlled a 21-11 advantage midway through the first half. However, the Tigers then used a 20-8 run to claim a 31-29 lead with less than five minutes left in the half. The Drover offense remained cold in the final minutes and the Tigers took a 43-36 lead into halftime. 

Following the break, USAO slowly began to chip away at the deficit and trimmed CCC's lead to 52-50 midway through the second half. The Drovers managed to tie the score at 52-52, but the Tigers would then gain separation once again and would not give up the lead for the remainder of the contest.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 28-58 (.483) from the field, 9-22 (.409) from beyond the arc, and 4-9 (.444) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Central Christian shot 28-63 (.444) from the field, 11-21 (.524) from deep, and 7-9 (.778) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 28 points in the paint and hauled in 34 rebounds. In comparison, the Tigers scored 28 points in the paint and grabbed 35 rebounds. 

USAO committed 10 turnovers, which led to two points for CCC. Meanwhile, the Tigers fumbled the ball 11 times, resulting in 15 points for the Drovers.

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

Ryein Kennedy led the Drovers with 22 points and seven rebounds, followed by Tre Edwards with 15 points, four rebounds, and two steals. 

Cade Allen added 11 points and three rebounds, while Tyler Cauley produced eight points, seven assists, and two blocks. 

Mohand Ammad and Manny Gatkek each scored four points. Lendy Holmes and Zach Hays each scored two points. 

Jaden Harrell dished out seven assists and grabbed four rebounds. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will conclude the regular season on Saturday, February 22 in Langston, Okla. The women's game is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 3:45 PM CT.

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