SILOAM SPRINGS -- John Brown University men's basketball saw its three-game winning streak inside Bill George Arena snapped in a 71-65 setback to Science & Arts (Okla.) on Saturday afternoon in a battle that rippled consequences through the standings as the first round of league play came to a close.
Down by eight at the intermission, the Golden Eagles (10-6, 8-3 Sooner Athletic) used triples from seniors Noah Taylor, Tyren Collins and junior Drew Miller to piece together a 15-7 run to knot the contest at 39 with just under 15 minutes left to play.
The Drovers (13-4, 8-3) then responded with a 10-2 rally of its own, scoring on three straight possessions, to quickly rebuild its eight point lead that wouldn't be relinquished down the stretch. A pair of Collins free throws would bring the deficit to just two, 52-50, but another USAO run over the next 90 seconds saw the eight-point difference reemerge.
The visitors held onto its lead by finishing the afternoon 13-of-14 at the free throw line, and out-rebounding John Brown by the widest margin this season, 18 (49-31).
Coming off the bench, USAO used a pair of performances from reserves that paid dividends – including a game-high 18 points from Reggie Quezada and another 15 from Anthony Ray. Both players pulled down seven boards.
Collins produced another monster game for the hosts, scoring 18 and grabbing 12 rebounds to complete a second-consecutive double-double. Sophomore Malachi Reeves added 17 points and five assists while Miller contributed 13 points and four rebounds.
With the Drovers' win and John Brown's loss, a four-way tie for second place in the Sooner Athletic standings now emerges, including JBU, USAO, Mid-America Christian (Okla.) and Southwestern A.G. (Texas). Wayland Baptist (Texas) is just one-half game behind the quartet of squads. Langston (Okla.) and its 17-0 record (11-0 SAC) continues to pace the pack.
The Golden Eagles hit the road Tuesday night (Jan. 23) to kick off a three-game week, beginning with a matchup at Oklahoma City at 7:45 p.m. inside Abe Lemons Arena. For a fee, the contest will be available live on the SAC Sports Network. JBU then returns home for a mid-week battle with Central Christian (Kan.) before ending the seven-day stretch at league-leading Langston on Saturday afternoon.
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