by CHICKASHA, Okla. – Monday evening, the No. 15 ranked Science & Arts men’s basketball team returned to Brisco McPherson Court in exciting fashion, earning a 91-87 victory against MidAmerica Nazarene University (2-1, 0-0 HAAC).
One of the biggest storylines coming into the game, was the coaching matchup against Rocky Lamar, the winningest active head coach in the NAIA (790), and he ranks at No. 11 in all-time wins among NAIA coaches.
From the tip-off, this game was one of the most exciting contests to ever take place at Drover Fieldhouse. Following a MNU 3-pointer to open the scoring, the Drovers responded with an alley-oop from Cameron Hines (SR/Ft. Cobb, OK) to Rory Pantophlet (JR/Philipsburg, Sint Maarten). From that point on, everyone in the building knew this game was going to go down to the wire.
The two squads traded the lead a couple times in the opening minutes, but after eight minutes of play, the Drovers held a 19-15 lead. The Pioneers battled back and jumped out to a 33-21 lead with 8:49 to go in the first half.
Science & Arts would then go on an incredible 13-0 run to reclaim the 34-33 lead with 5:48 to go before the halftime buzzer. The score would stay tight for the remainder of the half, but the Pioneers owned a 51-50 lead at intermission.
Following the break, neither team held a lead greater than six-points midway through the second half, and after multiple lead changes the Drovers held a 69-63. Science & Arts continued to maintain their lead and held a 75-74 lead with five minutes remaining in regulation.
The Pioneers stayed within striking distance until the end, but the Drovers never surrendered the lead as they secured their 15th consecutive win at home. The Drovers have not lost at home since February 15, 2020.
The Drovers offensive efficiency was a huge key to success, going 30-63 (.476) from the field and 9-24 (.375) from beyond the arc. They were even better at the free-throw line, knocking down 22 of their 27 attempts (.815). Two other advantages for the Drovers was their ability to outrebound the Pioneers 39-38, as well as the Drover bench providing 34 points.
The Pioneers were able to constantly keep the game within reach because of their sensational shooting at the charity stripe, converting on 18 of their 19 free-throw attempts (.947).
Stephon Hall (Mvskoke Creek) led the Drovers offensive attack, tallying 25 points, four rebounds, six assists, and a pair of steals. Hall was 3-6 from 3-point range, as well as 12-13 at the free-throw line.
