NAIA

[Men's Basketball] Drovers Continue Dominant Run Against the Eagles

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (7-4, 5-1 SAC) earned their 11th consecutive victory against the Eagles, with a 102-84 performance against Southwestern Christian University (4-5, 2-4 SAC). The Drovers are 11-0 against SCU, dating back to February 23, 2019. Additionally, the Drovers own a 19-5 advantage in the all-time series against the Eagles. The Drovers got off to a bit of a slow start in the opening few minutes, but by the midway point of the opening half USAO had pushed out to a 21-13 lead. With 4:51 remaining until halftime, the Drovers held a 17-point lead, but the Eagles stormed back and cut the deficit to 43-37 at the break.Neither team shot the ball particularly well in the opening half, with the Eagles shooting slightly better from the field. SCU shot 13-34 (.382) from the field and 4-13 (.308) from three-point range, while the Drovers went 16-43 (.372) from the field and 5-15 (.333) from deep. Following halftime, both offenses caught fire and the score remained relatively close for the first couple minutes of the second half, but then the Drovers began to extend their lead once more. Midway through the half, Science & Arts held a 75-55 lead. Over the final 10 minutes of action both teams traded baskets, but the Eagles were unable to give the Drovers a scare.  As a team, the Drovers shot 39-83 (.470) from the field, and 16-33 (.485) from three-point range. In comparison, the Eagles shot 31-71 (.437) from the field, and 8-31 (.258) from deep. USAO held a 47-41 advantage in the rebounding battle, and the Drovers forced the Eagles into committing 15 turnovers, while only fumbling the ball 13 times themselves.USAO was whistled for 16 fouls and SCU was called on 14 infractions. The Eagles went 14-18 (.778) from the free-throw line, while USAO went 8-9 (.889) from the charity stripe.Five different Drovers scored in double-figures en route to victory against SCU.Samkelo Cele (SR/Durban, South Africa) led the Drover offense once again, contributing his fourth consecutive performance of 27 points or more, and his second 30-point performance in a row. Cele finished with 30 points on 10-17 shooting from the field and 4-4 from three-point range. The dynamic guard went 6-6 at the free-throw line and he also contributed five rebounds and three assists. Over the last four games, Cele is shooting 42-70 (.600) from the field, 12-18 (.667) from deep, and 19-22 (.864) from the charity stripe. Furthermore, he is averaging 28.7 points per game over the last four contests.Cejay Mann (SO/Alma, AR) also delivered an incredible performance, finishing with 26 points on 11-17 shooting from the field and 4-10 from deep. Mann also added a trio of steals on the defensive end of the floor. The guard has been heating up over the last several games, scoring at least 17 points in four of his last five games. Logan Dolan (SO/Broken Arrow, OK) was lights out from deep, finishing 5-7 from three-point range. Dolan concluded with 15 points and five rebounds. Cade Allen (SO/Hammon, OK) added 13 points on 5-10 shooting from the field, including 3-6 from beyond the arc. Langston Gaither (SR/Alexandria, VA) contributed his second consecutive double-double performance, except he did with points and rebounds, opposed to points and assists. Gaither closed with 10 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists, just two days after finishing three rebounds shy of a triple-double at MACU. Despite having an off night shooting the ball, Gerard Makuntae (SR/Austell, GA) still found ways to contribute positively. Makuntae closed with two points in addition to six rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Jaden Harrell (SO/Oklahoma City, OK) added two points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Dallen Forsythe (SO/Dale, OK) finished with two points and three assists. Tyler Cauley (SO/Riverview, FL) also scored a couple points in the win.  WHAT'S NEXT?The Drovers will be back in action at Brisco McPherson Court on Wednesday, December 14 as they host Texas Wesleyan University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 PM at Drover Fieldhouse. Drover Athletics will also be welcoming administrators and students from Lincoln Elementary for Lincoln Elementary Night at Drover Basketball on the 14th.We would also like to mention that the USAO Athletic Department will be conducting a toy drive, in association with Droverthon throughout the month of December at home basketball games. Donation boxes will be located at the admissions office, inside of Troutt Hall, as well as at the ticket gate for home basketball games in December. The toys will be donated to OU Children's Hospital, and each person that donates an unopened/new toy for the toy drive will get into that day's games for free (except Dec. 30 vs Concordia).      Stay up to date on all Science & Arts Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.comLive-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usaoYouTube: Drover AthleticsTwitter: @DroverAthleticsFacebook: @DroverAthleticsInstagram: @drover_athleticsGIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers