NAIA

[Men's Basketball] UNT-Dallas Uses Late Free-Throws to Shock the Drovers

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (5-4, 3-1 SAC) was dealt their first loss in conference-play, with a 101-104 performance against University of North Texas – Dallas (5-3, 3-2 SAC).Both offenses caught fire early and neither team ever cooled off. After 10 minutes of action, USAO owned a 31-25 lead, but UNT-Dallas chipped away at the deficit and the score was knotted at 53-53 going into halftime.Following the break, both teams continued to score the ball at will. However, the Trailblazers had the upper hand and pushed out to a 75 – 68 lead with 10 minutes to play in regulation.The Trailblazers led 91-80 with 2:56 to play, and the Drovers began to storm back. After a few three-pointers and clutch stops on defense, USAO only trailed 100-99 with 12 seconds to play. The Drovers quickly fouled the Trailblazers on an inbound pass to send UNT-Dallas to the line, but they were only able to convert one of the two free-throws, keeping the door open for USAO.Langston Gaither (SR/Alexander, VA) was able to hit a tough layup with five seconds remaining to tie the score at 101. The Trailblazers rushed down the court and were able to draw a foul on a three-point attempt, allowing themselves the opportunity to win the game with free-throws. As a team, the Drovers shot 34-61 (.557) from the field, and 15-27 (.556) from three-point range. In comparison, the Trailblazers shot 35-69 (.507) from the field, and 7-18 (.389) from deep. UNT-Dallas dominated the rebounding battle, by a wide margin of 44-34, and the Trailblazers committed only six turnovers, while the Drovers committed seven.USAO was whistled for 27 fouls and UNT-Dallas was called on 16 infractions. The Trailblazers went 27-38 (.711) from the free-throw line, while USAO went 18-24 (.750) from the charity stripe. Gerard Makuntae (SR/Austell, GA) and Samkelo Cele (SR/Durban, South Africa) once again delivered sensational performances for the Drovers, despite the loss. Makuntae closed with 29 points on 10-11 shooting from the field, including 4-4 from deep and 5-5 at the free-throw line. Makuntae added nine rebounds and four blocks.Cele closed with 27 points off the bench. Shooting 9-18 from the field and 4-5 from beyond the arc. Cele hauled in five rebounds and dished out a pair of assists.Cejay Mann (SO/Alma, AR) tallied 17 points on 6-12 shooting from the field. Mann grabbed three rebounds and dished out four assists. Langston Gaither added 13 points in 18 minutes of action off the bench. Logan Dolan (SO/Broken Arrow, OK) added six points, followed by Cade Allen (SO/Hammon, OK) with five. Jaden Harrell (SO/Oklahoma City, OK) and Jace Hollingshed (SO/Oologah, OK) each closed with two points.  WHAT'S NEXT?The Drovers will return to action on Thursday, December 8 as they head to OKC for a rivalry game at Mid-America Christian University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 PM inside Gaulke Activity Center.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