by CHICKASHA, Okla. –The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (18-8, 12-7 SAC) was able to move into third place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings with an 88-73 win over Bacone College (2-22, 0-18 SAC). The Drovers now sit just one game behind John Brown University in the standings, and with a win at JBU on Saturday, Feb. 16, USAO can pull ahead.
The Drovers struggled mightily early on in the game, trailing by as many as 8 with 12:35 remaining in the first half. However, USAO closed out the first half with a 39-37 lead. The home team was able to increase the lead throughout the second half, outscoring the Warriors 49-36 in the final 20 minutes.
USAO shot the ball very efficiently, scoring on .507 from field goal range. The Drovers dominated the paint, outscoring the Warriors 40-20.
The Drovers were led on offense by Stephon Hall‘s (Mvskoke Creek) impressive shooting display. Hall finished the night with 20 points (game-high), 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. The Freshman phenom, now has four 20 point games so far this season, all of which have came since January 24. USAO’s Twin-Towers were dominant down low once again. Dedrian Parmer (JR/Oklahoma City, OK) picked up his ninth double-double of the season, while Geno Artison (SR/Seattle, WA) picked up his fourth. This marks the third time in the team’s last five games that Artison and Parmer have each finished with a double-double. Artison concluded the win with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 assists. Parmer scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. This was Parmer’s sixth straight game with at least 15 points. Cameron Hines (SO/Ft. Cobb, OK) shot the ball very well, scoring 15 points on 6-11 shooting from the field. Manny Gatkek (FR/Amarillo, TX) swatted 5 shots, while adding 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Clay Long (SR/Plain Dealing, LA) also finished with 6 points, to go with 3 rebounds, and 2 assists.
