by SHREVEPORT, La. – The No. 13 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (4-2, 0-0 SAC) closed their two-game road trip in Louisiana with a tough 78-95 loss at No. 11 LSU-Shreveport (6-1, 0-0 RRAC).
The Drovers were once again short-staffed in a tough road contest, and the Pilots were able to take advantage of USAO’s lack of size and bodies in the game.
LSU-S took the lead early and never looked back as they took a 52-39 lead into the break.
Following halftime, the Drovers were able to cut the Pilots’ lead to 11 only one minute into the second half, but that is as close as they’d get for the remainder of the game.
The Pilots were able to dominate the paint due to the Drovers’ lack in size, winning the rebound-battle 56-33, and that was the biggest statistical difference in the Top 15 match-up. LSU-S also did a good job distributing the ball, concluding with 28 assists as a team.
Despite the loss, Stephon Hall (Mvskoke Creek) had an impressive performance, shooting 11-for-19 from the field to score 29 points, along with two assists, and three rebounds. Moses Byekwaso (JR/London, England) also had a solid game, going 7-for-15 from the field for 20 points, and he also added six rebounds and two assists. Greyden Steinmetz (JR/Ft. Cobb, OK) concluded with 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while Tre’veon Ellis (SO/Oklahoma City, OK) closely followed with 11 points, four rebounds, and an assist. Colen Gaynor closed with six points and six rebounds in the road loss.
The No. USAO will now prepare to open Sooner Athletic Conference play when they host Central Christian College on Thursday, November 21 at 7:45 PM inside USAO Fieldhouse.
