Drovers Send Bulldogs to the Doghouse (Photo Essay)
Contributing Writer
Preston Palm
Photo Essay
Baseball
Date Publuished:
July 7, 2025
Photography:
Laura Barrios Bardi
Full Article:
**Author**: Preston Palm, Contributing Writer - **Halftime score**: SAGU 54, USAO 46 (USAO down by 8) The second half felt the same intensity, in what was a very high scoring game. Each team shot exceptionally from three-point range, evidently with both teams hitting above the 40% clip. This game was all offense. USAO put up an offensive output that would win them most games, but SAGU put up just as good of a performance. Looking at the score columns causes for a pause: - **Both teams**: 16-38 (.421) from behind the arc - identical performance - **SAGU**: 36-72 (.500) field goals made - **USAO**: 34-68 (.500) field goals made - **Difference**: SAGU's two additional field goals - **SAGU**: 12-16 (.750) from the charity stripe - **USAO**: 8-12 (.667) from the free throw line - **Impact**: The big difference came from the charity stripe The Drovers will receive a final decision on their season at the selection show Thursday, March 2nd. - **Season Series**: 1-1 (both teams won at home) - **USAO Streak**: Three-game win streak entering tournament - **Previous Matchup**: January 26th (SAGU won by 5) - **Notable**: Exceptional three-point shooting by both teams (42.1%) - **Key Factor**: Free throw shooting differential decided the game - **Tournament Status**: USAO awaiting selection show decision
Game Details:
The Drovers entered Thursday's game as the #4 seed in the SAC tournament, riding a three-game win streak. USAO's opponent tonight was the #5 seed Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU). USAO last played SAGU on January 26th, where the Lions edged out a five-point victory against the Drovers. The teams matched up twice for the season with both teams winning on their home court, making this a very decisive match-up. | - **Tournament Context**: SAC Tournament, #4 USAO vs #5 SAGU | - **Game Result**: SAGU victory (implied by context)
Key Statistics:
The first half saw a lot of back-and-forth action. SAC player of the week Samkelo Cele started the game off by scoring the Drover's first ten points of the game, but the Lions stayed close. The entirety of the first quarter saw each team exchanging leads, the Drovers found themselves trailing for most of the half. | - **Biggest USAO lead**: Seven points around the nine-minute mark | - **Cele's first half**: 18 points leading the charge | - **Gerard Makuntae**: 9 points contributing | - **Samkelo Cele**: 28 points, 6 rebounds (SAC Player of the Week) | - **Gerard Makuntae**: 17 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists (double-double) | - **Logan Dolan**: 16 points, 3 assists