NAIA
[Men's Basketball] Second Half Surge Propels Drovers Past Concordia
CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (9-4, 6-1 SAC) collected their seventh win in the last eight games with an impressive 77-64 victory against Concordia University (10-5, 6-3 GPAC). In the opening minutes of Friday's showdown, the Bulldogs were able to jump out to an 11-0 lead and they held a 20-14 lead midway through the first half. The Drovers closed the half on a 15-11 run, but Concordia was able to take a 31-29 lead into the break.Following halftime, both teams traded baskets and the Bulldogs clung to a narrow lead for the opening six minutes of the second half. With 12:46 remaining in regulation, USAO claimed a 42-41 lead and the Drovers never looked back, leading by as many as 14 in the closing minutes of the victory. As a team, the Drovers shot 28-62 (.452) from the field, and 10-28 (.357) from three-point range. In comparison, the Bulldogs shot 24-66 (.364) from the field, and 9-38 (.237) from deep. Concordia held a 44-37 advantage in the rebounding battle, but USAO was able to force CUNE into committing 13 turnovers, while only fumbling the ball 10 times themselves.USAO was whistled for 12 fouls and Concordia was called on 15 infractions. The Bulldogs went 9-11 (.818) from the free-throw line, while USAO went 10-13(.769) from the charity stripe.Langston Gaither (SR/Alexandria, VA) and Gerard Makuntae (SR/Austell, GA) led the offensive attack for USAO, tallying 20 points each.Gaither continued to show out, contributing 20 points on 7-15 shooting from the field, including 3-4 from deep and 3-4 at the charity stripe. The dynamic guard finished just two rebounds and two assists shy of a triple-double. Gaither has scored in double figures in 11 of 12 games this season, and over the last four games, he is averaging 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. Makuntae closed with 20 points, five rebounds, four steals, and two blocks. Samkelo Cele (SR/Durban, South Africa) continued to shine, recording 17 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.Logan Dolan (SO/Broken Arrow, OK) closed with seven points on 3-4 shooting from the field, followed by Jaden Harrell (SO/Oklahoma City, OK) who scored six points on 2-2 shooting from three-point range. Cejay Mann (SO/Alma, AR) and Cade Allen (SO/Hammon, OK) each added three points. WHAT'S NEXT?The Drovers return to action with a HUGE showdown at No. 7 ranked Langston University on Thursday, January 5. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 PM in Langston, Okla. 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