Men’s and Women’s Basketball
Drovers Open With Win 

CHICKASHA – Led by 19 points from sophomore forward Charite Lewis, the University of Science and Arts won its season opener Friday night at the USAO Fieldhouse 80-71 over a pesky Oklahoma Wesleyan team.

Lewis, along with senior guard Kartesha Rambo, was a stabilizing force throughout the second half as OWU rallied from a 16-point first half deficit to take the lead midway through the second half. Lewis posted her first career double-double by pulling down a dozen rebounds to go with her 18 points – both were career highs.

Rambo, who was the team’s leading returning scorer, drained three 3-pointers on her way to an 18-point night. Senior guard Je’antel Haynes continued her great play in season openers. The Louisiana native finished with 11 points and seven rebounds Friday. Haynes posted 15 points in her Drover debut last season.

USAO overwhelmed Oklahoma Wesleyan with its size early as the Drovers had 20 offensive rebounds by halftime. OWU clawed its way back into the lead in the second half with solid free throw shooting (17-of-24) and better rebounding. The Lady Eagles limited USAO to only seven offensive rebounds in the second half.

USAO improved to 1-0 on the season with a Saturday afternoon game at No. 14 Langston. The women will then go on a Kansas road trip until their next home game at 6 p.m. Nov. 20.

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