USAO Athletics
PLAINVIEW, Texas – Thursday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (11-4, 5-3 SAC) earned their biggest victory of the season with an 81-77 performance on the road at No. 6 ranked Wayland Baptist University (15-2, 7-1 SAC). 
Both teams got off to good starts, trading baskets in the opening minutes, but the Flying Queens were able to hold a 13-9 advantage midway through the first quarter. The Drovers were able to tie the score at 15-15 with three minutes remaining in the first quarter, however the Flying Queens were able to cling to a 23-19 lead going into the second quarter.
With 3:54 remaining in the half, the Drovers were able to capture a 33-30 lead, and continued to hold a 39-38 advantage after 20 minutes of play.
Following halftime, the Flying Queens regained the momentum and pushed out to a 58-55 lead after three quarters of action. The Drovers got off to a terrific starting the fourth quarter and held a 64-62 lead with 6:56 remaining in regulation. Science & Arts continued to push the pace and increased their lead to 71-65 with less than five minutes to go. Despite the Flying Queens best efforts, the Drovers were able to hang on for the thrilling victory.
In the exhilarating contest, the lead was exchanged seven times, and the score was tied eight times. The Flying Queens led by as many as nine points in the first half, while the Drovers led by as many as eight with less than four minutes remaining in the game.
The Drovers were very efficient on offense, converting on 33-66 (.500) of their shots from the field, and 8-16 (.500) from beyond the arc. The Flying Queens held an advantage in the rebounding battle (39-34), but the Drovers forced WBU into committing 17 turnovers while only committing 10 themselves.
Jordan Bloomfield (FR/Fletcher, OK) delivered an incredible performance, tallying 18 points (team-high), four rebounds, and a pair of steals.
Zaria Dorsey (JR/Bronx, NY) produced 15 points and six rebounds before fouling out late in the fourth quarter.
Jessica Palmer (SO/Anadarko, OK) and Milagros Carrera (SO/Lima, Peru) each concluded the win with 13 points. Additionally, Palmer contributed five rebounds, while Carrera recorded a pair of steals.
Kaytlen Johnson (SR/Anadarko, OK) was a spectacular distributer, finishing just one assist shy of a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds. Johnson also provided three rebounds and a pair of steals.
Lainey Morrow (FR/Blanchard, OK) gave the Drovers a spark off the bench, closing with eight points and three rebounds.
The Drovers were originally scheduled to return to action on the road on Saturday, January 8 when they were to battle at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, however OPSU has forfeited the game due to COVID-19 cases within the program. Therefore, the Drovers next game is scheduled for Thursday, January 13 when the Drovers head to Siloam Springs, Ark. to take on John Brown University. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT.