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[Men's Basketball] Hall's Buzzer-Beater Lifts #8 USAO Over OCU
CHICKASHA, Okla. – No. 8 University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (10-2, 5-2 SAC) was victorious in dramatic fashion against Oklahoma City University (1-4, 1-4 SAC). The Drovers were able to salvage the 71-69 win, thanks to Stephon Hall (JR/Oklahoma City, OK)'s buzzer-beating 3-pointer.Both teams traded buckets in the opening minutes, but in the latter stages of the first half, the Drovers were able to extend their lead to as many as 10, with seven minutes to go. Heading into the break, USAO held a 38-31 lead over the Stars.The Drovers remained in control for majority of the second half, and owned a 13-point lead with only 4:29 remaining in regulation. OCU hammered away at the Drovers lead and eventually knocked down a late 3-pointer to lead by one point with only 3.3 seconds to go until the final buzzer. However, after OCU buried the three, USAO quickly inbounded the ball and got it in the hands of Stephon Hall, who sank the 35-foot shot as time expired, to win the game in spectacular fashion.Neither team had a great night on offense, but the Stars actually shot for a higher percentage from the field than USAO did. OCU shot 39 percent from the field, while USAO shot just 36 percent. The Drovers defense made an impact, forcing the Stars into committing 22 turnovers.The hero, Stephon Hall scored 11 of his 12 points in the second half of the win. Additionally, Hall contributed six rebounds and four steals. Elvin Rodriguez (SR/New York, NY) led the Drovers in scoring, with 14 points, while Cameron Hines (SR/Ft. Cobb, OK) led USAO in rebounding with eight boards. Hines also added 13 points and three assists.Tre'veon Ellis (JR/Oklahoma City, OK) and Trenton Sandifer (SR/Dallas, TX) each contributed 11 points. Ellis also grabbed three rebounds and stole the ball twice, while Sandifer collected five rebounds and a block.Gerard Makuntae (JR/Austell, GA) concluded with six points and six rebounds in his second start of the season. Jaden Causwell (SO/Johns Creek, GA) and Boubacar Diakite (JR/Mali) each closed with two points and five rebounds.The Drovers will be back on the hardwood, inside USAO Fieldhouse on Saturday, February 6 as they host Southwestern Christian University at 3:45 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