Offense Goes Cold as USAO Narrowly Suffers Defeat Against Texas Wesleyan

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (4-2, 2-1 SAC) suffered a tough 50-48 loss Texas Wesleyan University (5-1, 2-1 SAC). 

The Drovers got off to a good start and held an early four-point lead, prior to holding a slim 11-10 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Texas Wesleyan dominated the second quarter, outscoring USAO 22-14 and took a 32-25 lead into halftime.

Following the break, both offenses continued to struggle, but the Rams managed to outscore the Drovers 11-9 in the third quarter and took a 43-34 lead into the fourth. 

USAO has often struggled in the third quarter this season and has previously had to produce a pair of double-digit fourth quarter comebacks so far this season, but they were unable to dig out of their hole on Saturday. The Drovers outscored the Rams 14-7 in the final 10 minutes of action but were able to overcome the deficit. 

Through the first six games of the regular season, USAO has narrowly outscored opponents in the third quarter (95-83), meanwhile the Drovers typically have dominated the fourth quarter (107-55). USAO has been outscored in half of their third quarters in the regular season so far, but they have outscored opponents in the fourth quarter in five of their six games so far.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting only 19-56 (.339) from the field, 6-24 (.250) from beyond the arc, and a dismal 4-9 (.444) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Texas Wesleyan also shot 19-56 (.339) from the field, 5-24 (.208) from deep, and 7-11 (.636) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored only 16 points in the paint and hauled in 35 rebounds. In comparison, the Rams scored 22 points in the paint and grabbed 43 rebounds. 

USAO committed 13 turnovers, which led to 10 points for Texas Wesleyan. Meanwhile, the Rams fumbled the ball 15 times, resulting in nine points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 16 fouls, while TX WES was called for 10 violations.

Ashley Gonzalez led the USAO offense, producing 16 points and three rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench. 

Evangelia Davalkou added 13 points on 5-16 shooting from the field. Davalkou also added eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals.

Alexia Corrales concluded with six points, seven rebounds, and three assists, followed by Hannah Harris with four points.

Devynn Harris scored three points, while Franka Kraus, Davielis Berroa, and Anna Kassim each scored two points. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson court for a double-header against UNT Dallas on Tuesday November 26. 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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