Drovers Avenge Opening Night Loss

WEATHERFORD – Three Drovers scored in double figures as the University of Science and Arts posted a 61-58 win over Southwestern Oklahoma Monday night for the team’s second straight win away from home.

Led by Jose Nava’s 20 points and 11 rebounds, USAO got a little revenge on the Bulldogs for spoiling its home opener 53-58 on Nov. 5. Nava’s eighth double-double of the season helped the Drovers improve to 4-5 on the year. Nava leads the team in scoring and rebounding with 17.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game.

SWOSU opened the game on fire from the outside connecting on six three-pointers and hitting 54.5 percent from the field to lead 32-26 at halftime.

Free throw shooting proved to be the difference down the stretch as USAO was almost perfect on the night. Averaging only 67.2 percent for the year, the team hit 16-of-18 Monday night.

J.J. Walsh helped raise his 9.3 points per game scoring average by hitting 4-of-6 from the floor and all four of his free throws for 12 points. Kevin Thames scored 10 points including two three-pointers and had four steals on the night.

USAO looks to win its third straight game and even up its record at 7 p.m. on Monday at Southeastern Oklahoma. SOSU is 1-2 on the season but will play Tarleton State and Midwestern State before meeting up with USAO.

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