OKLAHOMA CITY – Mahogany Nelms scored 34 points to lead the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Drovers to a 71-65 win over the Mid-America Christian University Lady Evangels in Sooner Athletic Conference action tonight (Feb. 11) inside the Gaulke Activity Center.
After no lead changes in the first half and only one through three quarters, the fourth period saw the lead change hands seven times in a back-and-forth affair.
The final lead change came on a three by Nelms that snapped a 63-63 tie and put the Drovers in front to stay with 1:38 remaining.
USAO made five-of-six at the foul line down the stretch to put it away and the Lady Evangels didn't score again until a bucket from D'Shala Culberson as time expired.
The Lady Evangels were down five at the half and trailed by seven in the third until a three by Lindsey Mann and jumper from Janaya Hines capped an 11-2 spurt that gave MACU its first lead of the game at 47-45 with 21 seconds left in the period.
It was 47-47 heading to the fourth quarter and a quick score from Culberson put the Lady Evangels back in front before Nelms struck for two threes to help the Drovers go on a 9-3 spurt for a 56-52 lead.
The game continued on a see-saw as a score by Culberson and consecutive buckets from Kelli Tolar put the Lady Evangels right back on top with 5:16 left.
But Nelms answered with a trey of her own to give USAO the lead again at 59-58.
Sarai Rodriguez helped keep the Lady Evangels close throughout a sluggish first half offensively with 13 points, including hitting 3-of-4 from the perimeter.
The Drovers got 12 first half points from Mahogany Nelms and led 19-11 after one period and built the edge to nine at 29-20 at the 3:17 mark.
Rodriguez then hit two treys and a running jumper as the Lady Evangels came within 34-29 at the break.
Rodriguez finished with 16 points, a career-high tying eight rebounds and five assists. Culberson continued her strong play with a double-double of 10 points and 18 boards. Alliyah Spatafora added 12 points for the Lady Evangels.
Nelms' 34 points came on 9-of-20 from the field, 7-of-13 from the perimeter and 9-of-10 at the charity stripe. Kiah Cummings had 11 points, with Agota Jozan and Chasity Asberry adding 10 points. Ilze Teilane led the Drovers with 12 rebounds and five blocks.
The Lady Evangels will next play at No. 14-ranked Wayland Baptist University Saturday afternoon (Feb. 13) at 1 p.m. in Plainview, Texas.
