SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- The John Brown University men's basketball team erased a double-digit halftime deficit and briefly pulled even midway through the second half, but Science & Arts (Okla.) closed with greater efficiency down the stretch to secure a 77-70 victory Saturday afternoon (Dec. 13) inside Bill George Arena.
John Brown (8-4, 5-2 Sooner Athletic), which entered the game on a five-game win streak, trailed 45-34 at the break after a difficult first half but responded with its best stretch of the afternoon coming out of the locker room.
The Golden Eagles opened the second half on a 22-11 run, fueled by improved ball movement and timely shot-making, to erase the deficit and draw even at 56 with 7:59 remaining. Senior LePra George scored nine of JBU's 22 points during the surge, and junior Donovan Lovelace capped the stretch with a basket in the paint that tied the game.
Science & Arts (5-6, 1-5 SAC) answered from there with composure. The Drovers closed the game on its own 21-14 run, limiting John Brown to just three field goals over the final eight minutes of action. Back-to-back three-pointers by USAO's Roman Lutton proved decisive, pushing the margin back to multiple possessions as the Golden Eagles struggled to convert from the floor during the final stretch (3-of-9). Junior Marko Malekinusic capped the scoring with a three at the buzzer, setting the final score at 77-70.
The outcome was shaped largely by the opening half, when Science & Arts established control with efficient shooting. The Drovers shot 58 percent in the first half (18-of-31) and connected on five of their 11 three-point attempts, building a lead that reached 17 at the 11:35 mark. John Brown, meanwhile, was limited to 10-of-31 shooting in the opening 20 minutes and leaned on trips to the charity stripe to stay within striking distance.
George finished with a team-high 17 points for the Golden Eagles, adding seven rebounds and four assists while anchoring the second-half response. Junior Trae Oetting followed with 16 points and four assists, and Malekinusic added 12 points, six rebounds, and three triples.
Lovelace contributed 11 points and a team-high eight rebounds, providing a steady interior presence throughout the afternoon.
Despite the late push, John Brown finished the game at 36 percent shooting (22-of-61) and 33 percent from beyond the arc (13-of-40). The Blue and Gold were out-rebounded 44-35 and managed just seven bench points.
Science & Arts was led by a balanced effort across the lineup. Jamouri McCalister recorded a triple-double with 14 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds, directing the offense. Mohand Ammad added 17 points and seven rebounds, while Chris Yapo chipped in 14 points and 12 boards. Lutton provided a critical spark off the bench, scoring eight points in just seven minutes, including the two three-pointers that halted JBU's momentum late.
The Drovers finished the afternoon shooting 49 percent from the field (31-of-63) and 43 percent from three, pairing perimeter efficiency with 16 second-chance points and 38 points in the paint.
John Brown returns to action with a non-conference clash before SAC play resumes. JBU will travel to face Columbia (Mo.) on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 3) in a 1 p.m. tip. The tilt will air live on the Urban Edge Network.
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