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[Men's Basketball] #8 USAO Edges MACU, Remaining Unbeaten at Home This Season

CHICKASHA, Okla. – On an icy Tuesday evening, the No. 8 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (12-2, 7-2 SAC) was able to narrowly edge their rival Mid-America Christian University (7-3, 3-2 SAC). The Drovers 80-77 victory, marked their 8th consecutive win at USAO Fieldhouse this season. The two conference-foes met earlier this season in Oklahoma City, and the Drovers cruised to a 76-69 victory, and they were supposed to meet again on January 26, but the game was postponed.Entering the highly-anticipated contest, anyone that is familiar with the USAO/MACU rivalry, could have easily predicted that this game would be close for the duration of the battle. The Drovers held onto a narrow lead for the majority of the first half, and took a 39-35 lead into halftime.Following the break, the intense action picked up right where it left off. In the thrilling second half, the two teams exchanged the lead 10 times, and they were locked in a tie three more times. The Drovers took a one-point lead with 7:59 remaining in regulation, and despite allowing the Evangels to get within one point, USAO never let go of the lead for the rest of the game.As a team, USAO was incredibly efficient at the free-throw line, sinking 11-of-13 (.846) free-throw attempts. The Drovers also commanded the rebounding battle, pulling down 45 rebounds, while MACU corralled just 32. Not only did the Drovers control the boards, but they also had themselves a block party, tallying 10 blocked shots in the win. Cameron Hines (SR/Ft. Cobb, OK)' big game paced the Drovers offense. Hines closed with 24 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Hines was incredibly clutch at the free-throw line, knocking down all nine of his shots at the charity stripe. The senior point guard, has tallied at least 20 points in seven of the Drovers last 10 games played.Elvin Rodriguez (SR/New York, NY) also showed off his clutch abilities, scoring 14 of his 18 points in the second half. Additionally, Rodriguez grabbed four rebounds and collected a pair of steals.Gerard Makuntae (JR/Austell, GA) recorded his second double-double of the season, compiling 10 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.Tre'veon Ellis (JR/Oklahoma City, OK) nearly collected his first double-double of the season, contributing nine points and nine rebounds.Stephon Hall (JR/Oklahoma City, OK) recorded seven points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Boubacar Diakite (JR/Mali) added six points, six rebounds, and four blocks.Jaden Causwell (SO/Johns Creek, GA) provided a spark off the bench, tallying five points and a pair of blocks in 10 minutes played.The Drovers will aim to continue their win-streak on Thursday, February 11, when they are scheduled to head to McPherson, Kan. to face Central Christian College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 PM CT. 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