NAIA
[Men's Basketball] Second Half Struggles Lead to Defeat Against Evangel
CHICKASHA, Okla. – Monday evening, the No. 13 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (2-3, 0-0 SAC) suffered a tough 82-71 loss against Evangel University (4-1, 0-0 HAAC).The Drovers got off to a tremendous start, leading 8-0 with 16 minutes until halftime. Evangel began to cut into the deficit, but USAO clung to a 17-11 lead midway through the half. Science & Arts closed the half strong and owned a 34-32 lead going into halftime.Following the break, Evangel gained momentum and claimed a 44-37 lead with 17:42 to go in regulation. With 10 minutes remaining, the Drovers trailed 59-54, but the Valor gained momentum once again to extend their lead in the closing minutes of the game.The Drovers shot 23-64 (.359) from the field, and 7-28 (.250) from three-point range. In comparison, the Valor shot 31-58 (.534) from the field, and 12-23 (.522) from deep. Evangel held a 43-39 advantage in the rebounding battle.Gerard Makuntae (SR/Austell, GA) logged his second double-double of the season, contributing 21 points and 11 rebounds. Additionally, Makuntae shot 9-10 at the free-throw line and he also blocked a pair of shots.Samkelo Cele (SR/Durban, South Africa) delivered a strong performance off the bench, recording 17 points on 7-11 shooting from the field. Langston Gaither (SR/Alexander, VA) concluded with 10 points and three assists, followed by Cejay Mann (SO/Alma, AR) with nine points on 3-6 shooting from deep.Cade Allen (SO/Hammon, OK) finished with six points, three rebounds, three assists, and a pair of steals, while Logan Dolan (SO/Broken Arrow, OK) added five points and a pair of rebounds. Jaden Harrell (SO/Oklahoma City, OK) chipped in three points five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. WHAT'S NEXT?The Drovers will open conference-play on Thursday, November 17 as they hit the road to face John Brown University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 PM CT in Siloam Springs, Ark. 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