A Battle from
Behind the Arc
Contributing Writer
Preston Palm
Tournament Recap
Basketball (Men's)
Date Publuished:
July 7, 2025
Photography:
Laura Barrios Bardi
Full Article:
**Author**: Preston Palm, Contributing Writer The Drovers started fast as they scored their first basket within the first six seconds of the game with a layup from the tip-off by Lainey Morrow. The first quarter went as many would expect, the teams traded early baskets, but after the first the Drovers led 17-12. The second quarter turned the tide as SCU outscored USAO 18-10 in the quarter. The Drovers managed to keep a lead until the final buzzer before halftime, however, SCU took a three-point lead going into the half with a deep three pointer at the buzzer. - **SCU**: 7-17 field goals in the second quarter - **USAO**: Only hit two field goals in the entire quarter - **Free Throws**: USAO went 6-8 from the charity stripe to stay in the game - **Buzzer Beater**: MJ Case hit a deep three-pointer at halftime buzzer - **Tahlia Sloan-Casey**: 1 point (free throw) USAO has three players that possibly ended their career with this game: - **Tahlia Sloan-Casey**: Added 1 point with a free throw early in the game - **Season Series**: USAO had won both previous meetings (71-57 in November, 53-46 in February) - **Game Date**: Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 - **Key Moment**: MJ Case's buzzer-beating three-pointer at halftime - **Turning Point**: Second quarter where SCU outscored USAO 18-10 - **Awards**: Lainey Morrow (1st team SAC), Trinitee Alexander (SAC Sixth Woman of the Year)
Game Details:
The women's SAC basketball tournament kicked off Thursday, February 23rd, with USAO entering the night as the #3 seed in the tournament. The Drovers were matched up against the #6 seed, Southwestern Christian University (SCU). Many expected the Drovers to roll past SCU due to their recent success against them, USAO had won their two previous meetings against the Eagles with a 71-57 victory in November and a 53-46 victory at the beginning of February. | **Final Score**: SCU 67, USAO 62 (SCU victory) | USAO is unsure of the rest of their season after this loss. The Drovers will know for certain what the rest of their season, or lack thereof, will be after the selection show Thursday, March 2nd. | - **Tournament Context**: Women's SAC Tournament, #3 USAO vs #6 SCU | - **Tournament Result**: SCU upset victory 67-62 | - **Context**: Upset loss in first round of SAC Tournament despite regular season success against SCU
Key Statistics:
- **Halftime Score**: SCU led by 3 points | The second half was a struggle for the Drovers, and USAO couldn't grasp a lead for most of the first half. The Drovers fell behind by as many as seven points in the third quarter, the Drovers found themselves playing catch-up for the entire second half. USAO fought their way back multiple times throughout the fourth, but couldn't get the victory due to clutch shooting from the Eagles. | - **Lainey Morrow**: 18 points, 9 rebounds (1st team SAC selection) | - **Trinitee Alexander**: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals (SAC Sixth Woman of the Year) | - **Zaria Dorsey**: 6 points, 3 rebounds (fouled out) | - **Jessica Palmer**: 7 rebounds, 4 assists | - **MJ Case**: 30 points (hot shooting throughout the game) | - **Zaria Dorsey**: Fouled out but contributed 6 points and 3 rebounds | - **Jessica Palmer**: Used her quick feet to snag 7 rebounds and 4 assists | - **USAO Deficit**: Fell behind by as many as 7 points in third quarter