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[Men's Basketball] Drovers Overcome Second Half Deficit to Earn Road-Victory at Central Christian

MCPHERSON, Kan. – Monday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (21-4, 16-2 SAC) earned their fifth consecutive victory with a thrilling 86-85 performance at Central Christian College (11-13, 5-12 SAC).The Drovers have now won 13 of their last 14 games, and with the victory, the Drovers extend their lead in at the top of the Sooner Athletic Conference standings. Science & Arts currently holds a 2.0 game lead over SAGU heading into the final four games of the regular season, all of which will be at home on Brisco McPherson Court.The Drovers got off to a slow start and trailed in the opening minutes of the contest. Midway through the first half the Tigers led 19-17. With 3:40 remaining in the half, Cameron Hines (SR/Ft. Cobb, OK) dropped in a layup to tie the score at 30-30. The teams traded baskets in the closing minutes, and Central Christian was able to cling to a 38-37 lead at the break. The Tigers opened the second half on a 14-2 run to claim a 13-point lead with 18 minutes to go in regulation. The Drovers trailed by as many as 15 with 13:30 remaining in the contest but cut the deficit to 70-61 midway through the half. Science & Arts then used a 14-4 run to claim a 75-74 lead with 5:29 remaining in the second half. The Tigers hit a three-pointer with just over a minute remaining to claim an 85-83 lead, but Cameron Hines responded with a DEEP three to give the Drovers an 86-85 lead with 32 seconds to go in regulation. The Drovers used a strong defensive possession and some luck to wrap up their 21st win of the season.As a team, the Drovers were efficient on offense, going 34-68 (.500) from the field and 8-22 (.364) from long distance. A major key for Science & Arts down the stretch was their ability to knock down free-throws, going a perfect 10-10 from the charity stripe. Additionally, the Drovers dominated the paint, outrebounding the Tigers 45-32.The quartet of Stephon Hall (SR/Oklahoma City, OK), Gerard Makuntae (SR/Austell, GA), Elvin Rodriguez (SR/New York, NY), and Cameron Hines were fantastic for Science & Arts, combining for 76 points. Hall concluded with a game-high of 21 points, along with four rebounds.Makuntae was a force in the paint, contributing his sixth double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Georgia native was incredibly efficient on offense, going 7-11 from the field, including 4-4 from beyond the arc. Rodriguez provided a huge spark off the bench, pouring in 19 points on 9-13 shooting, along with six boards. Mr. Big Shot, Cameron Hines, closed with 16 points, five rebounds, and a steal. Rory Pantophlet (JR/Philipsburg, Sint Maarten) added six points and four rebounds, while Tre'Veon Ellis and Jaden Causwell (JR/Johns Creek, GA) each added a pair of points.  WHAT'S NEXT?The Drovers aim to extend their win-streak to six as they host Oklahoma Panhandle State University on Thursday, February 10. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. In addition to the action on the court, we will be hosting City of Chickasha Employee Appreciation Night: Sponsored by Standley Systems. All City of Chickasha employees and their immediate family members get free entry to the games and will be honored at half court during halftime of the men's basketball game. -READ MORE-                    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/usao/YouTube: Drover AthleticsTwitter: @DroverAthleticsFacebook: @DroverAthleticsInstagram: @drover_athleticsGIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers