Box Score For the second straight game the Pioneers had trouble getting started in the first few minutes of the second half in a 71-58 loss to the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma at home on Thursday evening.
The Wayland men outscored the Drovers 10-5 in the paint and had a 23-11 advantage on the boards during the first period, taking a 28-24 lead into the break.
USAO came out in the second half and immediately took the lead on a three-pointer by Phillip Harris, who hit three-of-five from behind the arch in the game.
The Drovers outscored the Pioneers 21-7 in the first eight and half minutes of the final half to build a 45-35 advantage. WBU got within six a couple of times, but the visitors, who shot 59 percent from the field in the period, always responded.
Bobby Watkins led the Pioneers with 15 points. George Williams added 11, and Rodrigo Silva had a game-high seven rebounds. C'Jamarion Leashore passed out eight assists for the Wayland men, who fell to 6-8 on the season and 1-6 in conference play.
WBU finished up winning the rebounding battle, 33-29, but gave up 20 turnovers which resulted in 20 USAO points and shot just 40 percent from the field. The Drovers turned the ball over just 11 times.
Thomas Peters led USAO (6-6, 2-4) with 31 points.
The way doesn't get any easier for the Pioneers who host #12 Southern Nazarene University on Saturday afternoon. The tip-off for that contest is scheduled for 3 p.m.
