Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (9-5, 6-2 SAC) suffered a tough 95-86 loss to No. 7 ranked Langston University (14-0, 8-0 SAC).
In the opening minutes of the contest, both teams traded baskets and the Drovers held a 28-25 lead midway through the first half. The Lions were able to close the half strong and took a narrow 44-42 lead at the break.
Following halftime, Langston opened the second half on a 14-7 run and held a 73-59 lead with only 10 minutes remaining in the game. The Drovers began to cut into the deficit and with 40 seconds remaining Langston’s lead was cut to only three. However, a costly turnover and solid free-throw shooting preserved the Lions perfect start to the season.
As a team, the Drovers shot 28-61 (.459) from the field, and 12-34 (.353) from three-point range. In comparison, the Lions shot 33-69 (.478) from the field, and 10-23 (.435) from deep. Langston held a 42-33 advantage in the rebounding battle. USAO turned the ball over 14 times and LU was forced into committing 11.
USAO was whistled for 21 fouls and Langston was called on 23 infractions. The Lions went 19-23 (.826) from the free-throw line, while USAO went 18-23 (.783) from the charity stripe.
Five different Drovers scored in double figures, led by Samkelo Cele (SR/Durban, South Africa) with 17. Langston Gaither (SR/Alexandria, VA) and Gerard Makuntae (SR/Austell, GA) each concluded with 14 points and nine rebounds. Dallen Forsythe (SO/Dale, OK) finished with 12 points, followed by Cade Allen (SO/Hammon, OK) with 11.
Logan Dolan (SO/Broken Arrow, OK) added nine points and Cejay Mann (SO/Alma, AR) tallied seven points.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The Drovers aim to bounce back as they hit the road to face Central Christian College on Saturday, January 7. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:45 PM in McPherson, Kan.
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