Men Hang on in Frantic Finish

CHICKASHA – Thanks to three free throws in the final 11 seconds from USAO’s Avery Stevenson, a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Northwestern Oklahoma was irrelevant in Monday’s 68-67 home win.

The University of Science and Arts improved to 6-7 overall and 2-1 in the Sooner Athletic Conference with its second straight win.

The late three-pointer from NWOSU’s Henry Morris finished a Ranger run of 15-4 over the final 4:19, and gave the visitors a chance at a tie with under 10 seconds to play.

Before that, NWOSU erased a 12-point second-half lead, and the Drovers saw their secure five-point lead evaporate when NWOSU scored four straight points with 19 seconds left.

After two Stevenson free throws pushed the lead back to three points, the Drover defense stood up and knocked the ball away from shooter Shane Hansen as he tried to get off the tying three-pointer.

Stevenson added the insurance free throw, and Henry hit a prayer off the backboard to end the game.

Marcus Hines led the Drovers with 14 points. Kevin Thames and Stanley Bolden scored 10 points each with two three-pointers. Stevenson and Jose Nava added nine points and five rebounds each.

The Drovers have one more home game this week as they host Oklahoma City at 8 p.m. Thursday. The team will travel to No. 4 Oklahoma Christian on Saturday.

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