(AGENPARL) – CHICKASHA (OKLAHOMA) mer 13 gennaio 2021
Men’s Basketball | Tue, Jan. 12, 2021 at 11:30 PM
CHICKASHA, Okla. –The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (7-0, 2-0 SAC) continued their incredible start to the season with a 91-79 victory against No. 13 ranked John Brown University (0-1, 0-1 SAC). The Drovers have started the season with a seven-game win-streak, and three of their wins have come against teams that are currently ranked in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll (No. 3 MACU, No. 13 JBU, No. 25 Bethel).
USAO never trailed as they went on their way to victory against the Golden Eagles. The Drovers held a 22-10 lead halfway through the opening half, and proceeded to take a 41-33 lead into halftime.
John Brown struggled to gain an advantage against the Drovers defense, shooting just 37 percent (11-for-29) from the field, and they committed 13 turnovers in the first half.
Following halftime, JBU got off to a quick start and cut the USAO lead to 47-44 less than four minutes into the second half. The Golden Eagles continued to gain momentum and trailed by only one point with 14:21 remaining, but that is as close as they would get. The Drovers were able to regain control and extend their lead until the final buzzer.
As a team, USAO performed with great efficiency on offense and shot 30-for-60 (.500) from the field, 11-for-28 (.393) from 3-point range, and 20-for-22 (.909) from the free-throw line. The high-scoring win marked the fourth time that the Drovers have scored at least 90 points in a game so far this season.
USAO has a dynamic offense and has scored 83 or more points in every game except for one so far this season, but the major to key to success for the Drovers is their defense, which currently ranks No. 1 in the NAIA for field goal percentage defense. The Drovers also rank No. 4 in 3-point field goal defense and No. 5 in blocks per game.
On Tuesday, USAO’s defense continued to use their length, blocking six shots and they stole the ball from a Golden Eagles player 10 times.
Cameron Hines (SR/Ft. Cobb, OK) was able to achieve a major milestone in the win, scoring his 1,000th point in a USAO uniform. Hines closed Tuesday’s win with 22 points to go along with six rebounds and three steals. Since the start of the 2018-19 season, Hines is averaging 13.6 points per game and he is a 38.5 percent 3-point shooter.
Elvin Rodriguez (SR/New York, NY) earned his second consecutive 20-point game as he closed with 29 points on 10-for-16 shooting from the field. Rodriguez has used his blazing speed to average over 18 points per game so far this season.
Gerard Makuntae (JR/Austell, GA) had a perfect night for the Drovers, closing 8-for-8 from the field and 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. Makuntae’s 21 points set a new career-high for the junior, and he also grabbed nine rebounds.
Stephon Hall (JR/Oklahoma City, OK) contributed seven points, five assists, and three steals, while Jaden Causwell (SO/Johns Creek, GA) added six points and two blocks.
Trenton Sandifer (SR/Dallas, TX) continued to play tremendous defense, recording 10 rebounds, two steals, and a block.
The Drovers will seek their eighth consecutive victory on Thursday, January 14, when they head to Langston University for a 7:45 PM tip-off.
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Fonte/Source: http://www.usaoathletics.com/article/2891
