by SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. – The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (6-7, 1-3) drops their first game of the new year to No. 10 John Brown University (12-1, 3-0). The game was close through the first half, but the Golden Eagles succeeded on their late push as the Drovers were outscored 70-55.
Within the first 10 minutes of the game, the Drovers compiled a 10-point lead at 18-8. Neither team was offensively sound, but the Eagles managed a 16-7 run to close the first half trailing the Drovers by one point.
As the second half started, the outcome was still very undecided. Both teams battled for control, achieving the final tied score at 38-38 with 9:42 remaining to play. The Drovers were rowdy on both ends, but could not outlast the tenth ranked Golden Eagles. JBU broke the tie for the final time, and forced USAO to foul through the final minutes to take the 15-point win.
USAO has yet to have a fully stacked roster this season, but continues to impress with their gameplay. Facing another nationally ranked opponent, the Drovers held the lead multiple times throughout the span of the game. USAO was led in scoring by Stephon Hall (Mvskoke Creek). His 13-point performance was his twelfth double-digit outing of the season. Trenton Sandifer (JR/Dallas, TX) and Dylan Causwell (SR/Sacramento, CA) were the only other Drovers to cross the double-digit threshold with 11 points apiece. USAO outscored JBU both in the paint and in second chance opportunities on the night.
John Brown also had three players in double-figures. Luke Harper led all-scorers with 21 points Rokas Grabliauskas contributed 14 points, while Kiree Hutchings aided his team with 11 points.
