CHICKASHA, Okla. --- The Wayland Baptist Flying Queens were tested on the road Saturday afternoon, falling 88–66 to
RV Science & Arts squad at Drover Fieldhouse.
Wayland came out with confidence and energy, jumping ahead early behind sharp perimeter shooting.
Bella Dabbs and
Peyton North connected from long range as the Flying Queens opened the game with a 6–0 run and held an early advantage. Despite the fast start, Science & Arts answered with consistent pressure in transition and closed the first quarter on a surge to take a 26–18 lead.
The second quarter proved difficult for Wayland as the Drovers capitalized on turnovers and fast-break opportunities to extend the margin. Even so, the Flying Queens continued to battle, getting inside looks from
Cania Mitchell and strong minutes off the bench from
Zalika Stevens and
Brooklyn Birkenfeld. Wayland trailed 44–34 at the halftime break.
Coming out of the locker room, Wayland delivered its best stretch of the game. The Flying Queens outscored Science & Arts 22–15 in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to just six points. Dabbs led the charge with a pair of three-pointers, while
Jadyn Trusler added timely baskets and steady play on both ends. Wayland's defensive effort and ball movement gave the team momentum heading into the final period.
That momentum stalled in the fourth quarter as Science & Arts regained control with efficient shooting and another wave of transition scoring. The Drovers outscored Wayland 29–10 in the final frame to seal the outcome.
Trusler paced the Flying Queens with 13 points, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc. Mitchell finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while Dabbs added 11 points and three triples. Wayland won the battle on the offensive glass and received 18 points from its bench, showing depth and resilience throughout the contest.
The Flying Queens will look to bounce back on Thursday, January 15
th, when they open up a five-game homestand beginning with Southwestern Christian. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM in the Hutcherson Center.
