Drovers Roll Toward Showdown with No. 4 OBU

CHICKASHA – An unlikely hero emerged Saturday afternoon as the University of Science and Arts cruised past Lubbock Christian 80-69 for the team’s second straight win. The Drovers now turn their attention toward No. 4 Oklahoma Baptist, which will come to USAO Fieldhouse Thursday night at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Stanley Bolden helped USAO improve to 10-11 overall and 6-5 in the Sooner Athletic Conference by pouring in 16 points, handing out three assists and coming up with three steals. In only his third start, Bolden’s ability to penetrate helped him get to the free throw line and convert 6-of-8 leading the team in scoring.

Coming off a 29-point game in Thursday’s win over No. 13 Wayland Baptist, Marcus Hines only managed a 3-for-12 night from the field, but he converted from the free throw line as well. He hit 8-of-11 as USAO converted 21-of-29 as a team in what became a glorified free-throw contest.

LCU went 17-of-24 from the line for a grand total of 53 free throws in the game.

Although the win looked easy, an aggressive LCU team jumped out to a lead to start the game. The Chaps hit layup after layup taking advantage of USAO’s over-playing defense with back cuts.

Slowly, the Drovers responded taking the lead midway through the first half with two three-pointers from Ike Onwuchekwa, who finished with 11 points hitting all three threes and both free-throw attempts. Jose Nava controlled the middle scoring 13 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to go along with two blocked shots and a steal.

LCU’s Max Eding was a constant presence and kept USAO from pulling away early in the second half. The game’s leading scorer, Eding hit 6-of-9 from the field and went to the free-throw line 18 times to finish with 25 points and eight rebounds.

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