by CHICKASHA, Okla. – The No. 13 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma men’s basketball team opened the season with a big win over NCAA DII opponent Cameron University to top-off homecoming weekend!
The Drovers picked up right where they left off last season, outscoring the Aggies 92-85. After the Aggies took the lead early in the first half, both teams battled for control, forcing five tied scores through the first ten minutes of play. The Drovers commanded the final ten minutes to take a 39-36 lead at halftime.
Though the Aggies were able to battle back within one point, a 9-0 run for the Drovers would seal the deal. As USAO’s perimeter shooting got hot, the Drovers stretched it out for their biggest lead of the game at 88-73 off a 3-ball from Trenton Sandifer (JR/Dallas, TX). In turn, the Aggies offense began to heat up, but it was too little, too late as the Drovers clinched their first win of the season.
The Drovers’ new offense was high powered and efficient, going 16-32 from three-point range. USAO also won the rebounding battle 42-35.
USAO had four players end with double-digit scoring, led by newcomer Colen Gaynor (JR/Berlin, MD). Gaynor contributed 19 points off 62.5 percent shooting, 75 percent from deep. Veteran guard Stephon Hall (Mvskoke Creek) also had a big night putting up 18 points off 75 percent shooting, 4-of-5 from downtown. Greyden Steinmetz (JR/Ft. Cobb, OK) went 4-for-5 in the field for his 12 points, while Moses Byekwaso (JR/London, England) finished with 11 points and 6 rebounds, all defensive. Tre’veon Ellis (SO/Oklahoma City, OK) was an excellent distributer, dishing out six assists to go along with his nine points and four rebounds. Cameron Hines (JR/Ft. Cobb, OK) also added six assists, along with six points and five rebounds.
