Drovers Cling to Victory Against SCU

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Thursday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (11-7, 9-5 SAC) held off a late rally to claim a 70-63 victory against Southwestern Christian University (6-11, 5-9 SAC). With the win, the Drovers improve to 20-11 against the Eagles all-time, dating to November of 2012. Furthermore, USAO has emerged victorious in ten of the last eleven meetings since 2021.

With 10 games remaining in the regular season, the Drovers sit in fifth 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 Thursday, USAO used a hot start to claim an early 8-2 lead, prior to possessing a commanding 21-9 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The Drovers led by as many as 16 points with 6:18 to play in the half, but the Eagles used a 17-5 run to cut their deficit to 36-32 at halftime. SCU outscored USAO 23-15 in the second quarter.

Following the break, the Drovers began to bounce back and outscored the Eagles 19-12 in the third quarter and took a 55-44 advantage into the fourth. The teams traded baskets to open the fourth and USAO held a 64-54 lead with 4:05 to play in regulation. The Drovers held off the Eagles down the stretch to close out the seven-point victory. 

USAO's offense closed the game shooting 27-62 (.435) from the field, 7-20 (.350) from beyond the arc, and 9-12 (.750) from the free-throw line. In comparison, Southwestern Christian shot 21-63 (.333) from the field, 11-35 (.314) from deep, and 10-13 (.769) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 34 points in the paint and hauled in 48 rebounds. In comparison, the Eagles scored 18 points in the paint and grabbed 34 rebounds. 

USAO committed 15 turnovers, which led to six points for SCU. Meanwhile, the Eagles fumbled the ball nine times, resulting in eight points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 15 fouls, while Southwestern Christian was called for 13 violations.

Four different Drovers scored in double figures, led by Evangelia Davlakou's 16 points and eight rebounds. Alexia Corrales added 14 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Hannah Harris and Jasmine Villarreal each contributed 10 points in the win. Harris also hauled in eight rebounds and dished out a trio of assists.

Madison Hays concluded with six points, followed by Davielis Berroa with five. Franka Kraus and Devynn Harris scored three points, trailed by Caroliena Diaz with two points and and Ashley Gonzalez with one point. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Monday, January 20 as they host UNT Dallas for a double-header. The women's game is scheduled to tip-off at 1:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 2:45 PM CT, inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

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