by CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (11-2, 6-2 SAC) led from start-to-finish in their 100-80 victory over Southwestern Christian University (5-7, 4-5 SAC). The Drovers never trailed in the contest and they built a big lead early on, to remain perfect at home this season.
USAO got off to a scorching start, leading 22-6 only seven minutes into the contest. The Drovers continued to push the pace and led by as many as 28 points with two minutes remaining in the opening half. Going into the break, USAO held a 52-27 lead.
The Drovers started the second half just as impressively as they did in the first, jumping out to a 66-28 lead with 17:19 remaining in regulation. However, the Eagles did a great job at chipping away at the lead, cutting the deficit to just 20 by the final buzzer of the game.
USAO dominated nearly every aspect of the game. The Drovers won the rebounding battle 52-31, and 19 of USAO’s rebounds came at the offensive end of the floor. They also used the home court to their advantage, going 18-of-46 (.391) from beyond the arc, and 39-of-84 (.464) overall from the field.
The Drovers new starting lineup was electric in the win, and combined for 86 of the team’s 100 points.
Gerard Makuntae (JR/Austell, GA) had another standout performance, closing with 24 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. Makuntae was incredibly efficient as usual, going 9-of-11 from the field and 6-of-8 from deep. This season, Makuntae owns a .663 field goal percentage, which ranks 10th in the NAIA, and he is also shooting a sizzling .558 clip from 3-point range, which ranks 6th in the NAIA.
Stephon Hall (Mvskoke Creek Nation) scored 18 of his 20 points in the second half. Hall also contributed nine rebounds and three assists.
