USAO men’s basketball team (14-5, 9-4 SAC) faced the University of North Texas at Dallas Trailblazers (UNTD) (5-10, 4-8 SAC) Saturday, Jan. 27. The Drovers were looking for revenge after falling to UNTD twice in both matchups they had last season.
It was a dogfight during the first half with a combined total of 18 fouls. The Drovers struggled as they shot a field goal percentage of 36.4%. UNTD’s defense showed to be a problem for USAO and a point for emphasis in the second half, as the Trailblazers would end the half with four steals and a block.
A bright spot in the first half for USAO was senior forward Rory Pantophlet. He finished the half with a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Despite the rough shooting, USAO was able to keep the score close thanks to the 11 fouls committed by UNTD. These penalties resulted in 12 made free-throws out of 15 attempts for USAO. The Drovers also outrebounded the Trailblazers in the first half with 25 boards compared to 15. However, USAO would be behind UNTD 39-38 at the end of the first half.
Coming into the second half USAO decided to put their foot on the pedal and go. For the half, UNTD had a field goal percentage of 36.8% and shot 10% from beyond the arc, making one three-pointer the whole half. USAO’s defense resulted in two steals and seven blocks, three of the blocks coming from junior forward Niieihii Blackbear.
On the offensive end, USAO made up for the underwhelming first half start and scored 46 points total compared to the Trailblazers 31 for the half. Junior guard Cade Allen led the team in scoring in the second half with 15 points and hit two three-pointers. Pantophlet made the highlight reel after hitting a three-point shot, getting the defensive rebound, and hitting another three-pointer at the 16-minute mark of the second half. USAO’s efficient second half would give them the victory 84-70 at the end of the game.
Leaders in Saturday’s game for USAO include Allen who finished with 22 points on 64% shooting along with three three-pointers and Pantophlet who had 20 points, 17 rebounds and a block. Junior guard Jaden Harrell also had an impact on the game, scoring nine points, seven assists, and four rebounds. Blackbear also had eight rebounds on the night along with three blocks.
USAO will be on the road for their next matchup against Texas Wesleyan University at 7:45 p.m.
Matthew Yokum is a second-year communication major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
