NAIA
[Men's Basketball] #12 USAO Cruises to Big Win on the Road at Central Christian
MCPHERSON, Kan. – Thursday night, No. 12 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (13-2, 8-2 SAC) earned their fourth consecutive victory with an impressive 94-64 performance at Central Christian College (9-6, 3-5 SAC). The Drovers high-scoring performance marked the ninth time this season that USAO has scored at least 89 points. The Drovers got off to a solid start, taking a 14-7 lead after five minutes of action. USAO led by as many as 25 in the opening half, and went into halftime with a 52-31 advantage.Following the break, the Drovers continued to push the pace and led 60-35 with 15 minutes remaining in regulation. USAO finished the game on a strong note and outscored the Tigers 42-33 in the second half, closing out the win.The Drovers offense converted on 34-of-71 (.479) shot attempts from the field, and 12-of-28 (.429) from 3-point range. The Tigers were held to 23-of-71 (.324) shooting from the field and 10-of-37 (.270) from deep. The Drovers also outperformed the Tigers on the glass, winning the rebounding battle 47-32. USAO's bench was stellar in the win, tallying 38 points as a unit.Elvin Rodriguez (SR/New York, NY) paced the Drovers offense, recording 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field. Additionally, Rodriguez provided three rebounds, three assists, and a pair of steals. Stephon Hall (JR/Oklahoma City, OK) closed the win with 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Cameron Hines (SR/Ft. Cobb, OK) and Boubacar Diakite (JR/Mali) each scored 11 points in rout. Hines added seven rebounds and two assists, while Diakite nabbed a double-double with 11 rebounds.Jaden Causwell (SO/Johns Creek, GA) contributed nine points on 3-of-6 shooting in 16 minutes of action. Gerard Makuntae (JR/Austell, GA), Trenton Sandifer (SR/Dallas, TX), and Kator Ago (JR/Nigeria) each scored six points for the Drovers. Makuntae and Sandifer each grabbed four rebounds, while Ago grabbed three.Tre'veon Ellis (JR/Oklahoma City, OK) provided four points, five rebounds, and two assists. Silas Elliott (SO/Oklahoma City, OK) and Theran Lantz (SO/Paoli, OK) each knocked down a shot from deep to close with three points a piece. The Drovers will be back at USAO Fieldhouse for their home-finale on Saturday, February 13 as they host Langston University. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM CT, and they will hold their Senior Day ceremony between the ending of the women's game and the start of the men's game, at approximately 3:45 PM CT. Be sure to join us on the broadcast for a very special Senior Day ceremony, unlike any other! Spectators are not allowed at USAO events, but you can stay up to date on all USAO Athletics news by following us on our media platforms! Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.comLive-stream: www.portal.stretchinternet.com/usao/YouTube: USAO AthleticsTwitter: @DroverAthleticsFacebook: @USAODroversInstagram: @usao_drover_athletics