Basketball Men Get Past Lubbock Christian

After holding a lead for most of the evening, the USAO men’s basketball team started the conference season off right Thursday with a win over Lubbock Christian. The Drovers slipped past the Chaparrals 79-71 in their Sooner Athletic Conference opener at USAO Fieldhouse.

With the eight-point victory, USAO improves to 4-6 overall and 1-0 in the SAC. On Saturday, the Drovers host Wayland Baptist at 3 p.m. to complete the opening weekend. Northwestern Oklahoma State comes to town Monday for an 8 p.m. matchup.

On Thursday, USAO connected on 50 percent of its shots in the first half, including 6-of-13 from 3-point range and 6-of-8 from the free throw line, to take a 42-33 lead at halftime.  Lubbock Christian managed just 25 percent from 3-point range and 0-of-2 from the free throw line.

In the second half, USAO lived at the free throw line, connecting on 13-of-18, while Lubbock Christian was only 1-of-2. The Chaparrals stayed close by hitting 7-of-14 from 3-point range, but the Drovers kept them at arms-length by hitting key free throws and baskets down the stretch.

Senior Wayne Gibson and junior Romeil Perkins were the only Drovers in double figures with 20 points each. Gibson also finished with a game-high 10 rebounds, and Perkins grabbed nine rebounds in the win.

Senior Keith Miller, who got into foul trouble early, scored eight points and dished out three assists before fouling out with about five minutes left. Junior Kawitton Benoit came off the bench for eight points and four rebounds. Sophomore Avery Stevenson added seven points and three rebounds.

For the game, USAO hit 47 percent (27-of-57) from the field, 35 percent (6-of-17) from 3-point range and 73 percent (19-of-26) from the free throw line. The Drovers collected 37 rebounds, 14 assists, seven steals, two blocks and committed 12 turnovers.

Brandon Jones led the way for Lubbock Christian with 20 points and grabbed six rebounds. Mario Muzurovic was the other Chaparral in double figures with 10 points. James Horner finished with a team-high nine rebounds in a losing effort.