CHICKASHA, Okla. -- Behind a dominant rebounding effort and double-doubles from senior Drew Miller and sophomore Trae Oetting, the John Brown University men's basketball team secured a 60-48 road victory over Science & Arts (Okla.) in Sooner Athletic Conference play on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 8) inside the Drover Fieldhouse.
The Golden Eagles (16-8, 14-6 Sooner Athletic) controlled the glass, finishing with a commanding 53-32 rebounding advantage, including a season-best 37 on the defensive glass.
Miller posted 18 points and 14 rebounds, hitting six three-pointers, while Oetting contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Freshman Jack Ullom came off the bench and added nine points on 4-of-8 shooting and two rebounds, while junior Elijah Lawrence chipped in seven points, three assists, and a steal.
"What a great week for us as we closed out our second road game," head coach Jason Beschta said. "I think our team has been consistently improving on the defensive end, showing strong commitment and focus in both games.
"We did an excellent job rebounding today, led by Drew and Trae, who each secured double-digit rebounds. Our post players also did a great job creating extra possessions on the offensive boards. I'm looking forward to being back home for our next couple of games and excited about this team's potential."
With four games left, JBU is just 1.5 games behind the SAC leader, Nelson (Texas).
John Brown struggled with efficiency at times, however, shooting 36 percent (22-of-61) from the floor, but found more success from beyond the arc, knocking down 12-of-36 three-pointers (33 percent). The Golden Eagles also overcame 17 turnovers, keeping the host Drovers (9-15, 7-13) at 31 percent (19-of-62) from the field and 5-of-24 from deep (21 percent).
Ryein Kennedy paced the Drovers with 13 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, while Tyler Cauley contributed 11 points and four rebounds. Mohand Ammad provided an inside presence, collecting 10 rebounds and adding seven points and two blocks.
After the Drovers jumped out to an early 5-2 lead, the Golden Eagles pieced together a 13-5 run – including back-to-back buckets from Ullom – to take a 16-10 advantage. Miller poured in a late triple and senior Boaz Camp threw down a thunderous flush just before the half to build the Blue and Gold advantage to nine, 31-22, at the intermission.
Miller's consecutive triples capped off another 14-4 rally that ballooned the visitors' lead to 15, 49-34, while two more treys from Oetting and freshman Carter Carbonell maintained the advantage with seven minutes remaining. Although JBU finished just 1-of-7 from the floor over the final seven minutes, the Drovers could only hit 2-of-9 during the final stretch, the Golden Eagle defense held USAO scoreless over the final 2:11 of the contest. Lawrence's layup with just over a minute left and a pair of Oetting free throws finally iced the game.
The Golden Eagles return home on Thursday (Feb. 15) to take on Oklahoma Panhandle State inside Bill George Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:45 p.m., and the game will stream live on the SAC Sports Network.
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