Drovers Begin 2025 with a Loss on the Road at MACU

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (5-8, 3-6 SAC) opened 2025 with a tough 87-69 loss on the road at Mid-America Christian University (10-3, 6-3 SAC). Prior to Thursday, the Drovers had won each of the last nine matchups against the Evangels since January 2021. 

The Drovers got off to a hot start and jumped out to an early lead. USAO controlled a 20-16 advantage midway through the first half. However, the Evangels quickly turned things around and closed the half on a 26-11 run to take a 42-31 lead into halftime. 

Following the break, the Evangels continued to stretch their lead and outscored the Drovers 45-38 in the second half. 

USAO's offense closed the game shooting just 19-52 (.365) from the field, 5-19 (.263) from beyond the arc, and 26-33 (.788) from the free-throw line. In comparison, MACU shot 30-59 (.508) from the field, 8-16 (.500) from deep, and 19-29 (.655) from the charity stripe. 

The Drovers scored 16 points in the paint and hauled in 30 rebounds. In comparison, the Evangels scored 42 points in the paint and grabbed 43 rebounds. 

USAO committed 11 turnovers, which led to 19 points for MACU. Meanwhile, the Evangels fumbled the ball 10 times, resulting in eight points for the Drovers.

USAO was whistled for 22 fouls, while MACU was called for 23 violations.

Cade Allen led the USAO offense with 15 points, followed by Lendy Holmes with 12 points. Tre Edwards and Zach Hays each scored 10 points off the bench. Edwards grabbed six rebounds, while Hays hauled in four.

Ryein Kennedy concluded with nine points and four rebounds. Mohand Ammad added six points, nine rebounds, and three assists. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court as they host a double-header against Oklahoma City University on Saturday, January 4. The women's game is scheduled to tip-off at 2:00 PM CT, followed by the men's game at 3:45 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

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