SILOAM SPRINGS -- The Golden Eagles enjoyed 16 points from both sophomore Graci Harris and senior Tarrah Stephens, but five scorers in double figures was too much as Science & Arts (Okla.) left Bill George Arena with a 76-71 decision on Thursday night (Nov. 17) in both teams' Sooner Athletic opener.
The Drovers (6-0, 1-0 Sooner Athletic) led the entire way, creating a margin as wide as 17 early in the third quarter, but the Golden Eagles battled back to within five, three times, in the fourth quarter, but couldn't get any closer.
Down by 16 early in the fourth, John Brown made its push when junior Natalie Smith's bucket jump-started a 12-1 run over a 4:25 span that featured a bucket from Stephens and back-to-back triples from Smith and sophomore Emily Sanders to whittle the lead to five, 69-64.
The teams traded seven points each down the stretch, and Smith's trey with 1 second left was too little too late as the Golden Eagles suffered its first loss of the 2022 campaign.
Stephens hit 7-of-8 from the line to overcome a difficult shooting night to finish with 16 points, seven rebounds and a pair of blocks. Harris came off the bench to provide a career-high 16 points on four triples and three assists. Sanders converted 5-of-6 from deep to contribute 15 points and eight boards while Smith battled through a tough shooting night to finish with 11 points.
The hosts won the rebounding battle, 36-31, but the Drovers out-scored John Brown 12-2 in transition.
Zaria Dorsey used her size to lead all scorers with 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Diaka Berete added 13 points and six board, and Brayanna Polk chipped in with 13 points and four assists. Tonijah Fortune and Lainey Morrow each produced 10 points as well.
USAO shot 46 percent on the night (28-of-61) and hit 11-of-14 from the charity stripe. John Brown, meanwhile, shot 39 percent (20-of-52) and used the stripe 17 times successfully on 22 opportunities.
JBU will return to action on Saturday afternoon (Nov. 19) in Ft. Worth when the Golden Eagles take on Texas Wesleyan in a 2 p.m. matinee matchup. The contest will be carried live on the SAC Sports Network.
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