USAO Comeback Attempt Falls Short Against #12 Wayland Baptist

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (6-5, 4-3 SAC) battled hard but ultimately suffered a 71-60 loss against No. 12 ranked Wayland Baptist University (11-1, 8-1 SAC). 

The teams traded baskets in an intense first quarter, with WBU holding a slim 18-15 advantage after 10 minutes of action. Both offenses continued to produce in the second quarter, but the Flying Queens were able to take a 38-33 lead into the second half after outscoring the Drovers 20-18 in the period. 

Both teams were hot from downtown in the first half, with WBU shooting 8-13 (.615) from three-point range, and USAO shot 5-10 (.500) from deep. Overall, the Flying Queens shot 14-29 (.483) from the field and the Drovers shot 12-29 (.414).

Following the break, the defenses began to find more success. Wayland outscored USAO 15-13 in the third quarter and held a 53-46 lead after 30 minutes. 

The Drovers opened the fourth quarter on a 6-2 run and trimmed their deficit to 55-52 with 8:30 to play in the regulation. However, the Flying Queens closed the game strong and held off the Drovers in the final minutes. 

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 23-62 (.371) from the field, 9-26 (.346) from beyond the arc, and 5-9 (.556) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Wayland Baptist University shot 27-62 (.435) from the field, 12-26 (.462) from deep, and 5-8 (.625) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 24 points in the paint and hauled in 35 rebounds. In comparison, the Flying Queens scored 26 points in the paint and grabbed 40 rebounds. 

USAO committed 11 turnovers, which led to 12 points for WBU. Meanwhile, the Flying Queens fumbled the ball 12 times, resulting in 16 points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 13 fouls, while WBU was called for 12 violations.

Franka Kraus led the USAO offense with 13 points and four rebounds. Kraus shot 5-12 from the field and 3-8 from beyond the arc. 

Alexia Corrales contributed on both ends of the court, concluding with 11 points, six rebounds, and four blocks. 

Evangelia Davlakou and Ashley Gonzalez each closed with nine points. Davlakou added five rebounds and a game-high of seven assists.

Anna Kassim went 2-3 from deep for six points in seven minutes of action off the bench. 

Hannah Harris shined on defense for the Drovers, tallying 10 rebounds and five steals, along with five points. 

Devynn Harris scored three points, followed by Madison Hays and Caroliena Diazb with two each.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Monday, December 16 as they host Lincoln Lion Day as the Drovers play a pair of games against OPSU. The women's game is scheduled to tip-off at 12:00 PM CT, followed by the men's contest at 2:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. All Lincoln Elementary students/parents, staff, and faculty get into the game for free!

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