Thursday evening, the No. 17 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (13-1, 7-1 SAC) continued their winning ways with an impressive 82-72 victory over Langston University (10-4, 5-3 SAC).
After a slow start in the first quarter, the Drovers trailed 8-2, but responded with a 9-0 run to take a lead with seven minutes remaining in the quarter. The Lions kept the score close, but USAO was able to take a 27-20 lead going into the second.
Langston outscored the Drovers 18-7 in the second quarter and took a narrow 38-34 lead into the break.
Following halftime, the Drovers caught fire on offense, outscoring the Lions 25-15 in the third quarter and took a 59-53 lead into the fourth. USAO played strong in the final 10 minutes and outscored Langston 23-19 to wrap up the victory.
At the conclusion of the game, the Drovers shot 30-68 (.441) from the field, and 4-17 (.235) from three-point range. In comparison, the Lions went just 20-58 (.345) from the field, and 5-12 (.417) from deep.
The Lions held a 48-42 advantage in the rebounding battle, however, Langston committed 20 turnovers, while Science & Arts fumbled the ball only 11 times.
Furthermore, Science & Arts was whistled for 28 fouls, while Langston was only called for 24 infractions. USAO went 18-27 (.667) from the free-throw line and LU went 27-41 (.659).
Per usual, the Drovers used a well-balanced attack to overwhelm the opponent’s defense, with five different players scoring at least 12 points.
Lainey Morrow (SO/Bridge Creek, OK) led the offense with 20 points on 9-10 shooting from the field. Additionally, Morrow went 2-2 from the free-throw line and she hauled in five rebounds.
This season, Morrow has been incredibly efficient, averaging 14.5 points per game on 58.9 percent shooting from the field. Furthermore, she is shooting 57.1 percent from three-point range and 82.8 percent at the charity stripe.
Zaria Dorsey (SR/Bronx, NY) turned in an impressive performance as well, closing with 16 points and four rebounds. Jessica Palmer (JR/Anadarko, OK) contributed 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
Tonijah Fortune (SO/Oklahoma City, OK) and Trinitee Alexander (SO/Everman, TX) each finished with 12 points in the win. Alexander hauled in seven rebounds, while Fortune grabbed six.
Brayanna Polk (SO/Del City, OK) chipped in four points, six rebounds, and four assists. Diaka Berete (SO/Toronto, Canada) added four points and three assists.
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