Lainey Morrow/Women's Basketball | University Of Science & Arts Of Oklahoma
Lainey Morrow/Women's Basketball | University Of Science & Arts Of Oklahoma
Thursday evening, the No. 3 seeded University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (23-5, 17-5 SAC) opened the Oklahoma Ford Dealers Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament with a stunning 67-62 loss against No. 6 seed Southwestern Christian University (15-13, 12-10 SAC). With the loss in the quarterfinal matchup, the Drovers move to 15-3 in the last 18 matchups against SCU, dating back to December 3, 2016.
The Drovers were able to hold an edge over the Eagles early on in the contest and held a 17-12 lead after 10 minutes of action. However, SCU bounced back and outscored USAO by a margin of 18-10 in the second quarter, and the Eagles held a 30-27 lead at the break.
Following halftime, both teams traded buckets and the score remained tight. SCU was able to hold a 17-15 scoring margin in the third quarter and owned a 47-42 lead into the fourth quarter. The Eagles managed to hold off the Drovers in the final 10 minutes of action, with both teams scoring 20 points in the fourth.
At the conclusion of the contest, the Drovers only shot 18-53 (.340) from the field, and 5-19 (.263) from three-point range. In comparison, the Eagles went 21-57 (.368) from the field, and 8-21 (.381) from deep.
USAO held a narrow 42-40 advantage in the rebounding battle, and the Drovers outscored the Eagles in the paint by a margin of 22-14. SCU was able to force the Drovers into committing 11 turnovers, and fumbled the ball 13 times themselves.
Furthermore, Science & Arts was whistled for 21 fouls, while SCU was called for 22 infractions. USAO went 21-28 (.750) from the free-throw line, and the Eagles converted on 17-21 (.810) from the charity stripe.
Lainey Morrow led the USAO offense, contributing 18 points and nine rebounds. Trinitee Alexander provided a spark off the bench as she finished with 12 points and six rebounds.
Brayanna Polk concluded with 10 points, along with four rebounds.
Zaria Dorsey, Tonijah Fortune, and Diaka Berete each recorded six points in the first game of the postseason.
Jessica Palmer added three points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Drovers now await the NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship Selection Show, to find out whether they will compete in the big dance. The Selection Show is scheduled for Thursday, March 2 at 6:00 PM CT on the NAIA's YouTube channel.
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