USAO’s Rally Comes Up Short at Texas Wesleyan

FORT WORTH, Texas – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (12-10, 10-8 SAC) was dealt a 70-64 loss on the road at Texas Wesleyan University (14-7, 10-7 SAC). 

With six games remaining in the regular season, the Drovers sit in a tie for sixth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings. The top eight teams in the conference qualify 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 Saturday, the Rams got off to a quick start and held an early 12-7 lead, but the Drovers responded with a 5-0 run to tie the score at 12-12 midway through the opening quarter. TX Wes closed the quarter on a 10-2 run and held a 22-14 advantage after 10 minutes of action. 

Both teams scored 13 points in the second quarter, and Texas Wesleyan controlled a 35-27 lead going into halftime. 

Following the break, the Drovers outscored the Rams 19-16, cutting Texas Wesleyan's lead to 51-46 going into the final 10 minutes of the game. USAO got off to a hot start in the fourth and tied the score at 55-55 with just under 7:30 remaining in regulation. The Rams held off the Drovers rally down the stretch and captured the win on their home court.

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 25-69 (.362) from the field, 8-28 (.286) from beyond the arc, and 6-6 (1.000) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Texas Wesleyan shot 23-59 (.390) from the field, 4-17 (.235) from deep, and 20-25 (.800) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 20 points in the paint and hauled in 40 rebounds. In comparison, the Rams scored 26 points in the paint and grabbed 32 rebounds. 

USAO committed 16 turnovers, which led to 17 points for TX WES. Meanwhile, the Rams fumbled the ball 13 times, resulting in 14 points for the Drovers.

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

Evangelia Davlakou led the Drover offense with 17 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals. 

Franka Kraus and Devynn Harris each contributed 11 points. Kraus added four rebounds.

Hannah Harris was one point shy of a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds. 

Davielis Berroa concluded with six points and eight rebounds, followed by Ashley Gonzalez with four points and two rebounds. 

Madison Hays, Alexia Corrales, and Caroliena Diaz each scored two points. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson court on Thursday, February 6 as they host a double-header against College of the Ozarks. 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. 

Stay up to date on all USAO Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!

Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.com

Live-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao

YouTube: Drover Athletics

X: @DroverAthletics

Facebook: @DroverAthletics

Instagram: @drover_athletics

GIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers