Box Score

BARTLESVILLE, Okla.- It took a late run in the second half and a lot of composure, but the Ouachita Lady Tigers kept their season alive with a win over the Cotton Blossoms of Arkansas-Monticello in the first round of the GAC Championship Tournament on Friday afternoon. The Lady Tigers clinched the 74-72 victory after being down by five points with 1:50 left in the game. Late buckets by A'Laeshia Adams and Erica Sharp proved to be the difference for the Lady Tigers, as they walked away victorious.

Ouachita was led by Adams, who finished the game with 15 points, while adding five assists, two blocks and three steals. Sophomore Nashia James added 13 points for the Tigers, while senior Sarah Pugh added 10 points, including a two for two performance from behind the three point line. Ouachita had seven players finish with six or more points. Senior Tamara Robinson collected a game high seven rebounds.

The Cotton Blossoms were led by Chelsea Johnson, who recorded a game high 23 points before fouling out late in the second half. Taylor Clark added 14 for UAM, while Alex Hart added nine. Johnson also added a team high six rebounds in the game.

Ouachita shot 46 percent from the floor whle the Cotton Blossoms shot 45.6 percent from the floor. Ouachita forced 16 turnovers, while turning it over 15 times themselves. Despite averaging eight more rebounds per game than their opponent this season, Ouachita only recoreded two more than the Cotton Blossoms, grabbing 27 to their 25.

Ouachita will continue postseason play on Saturday, when they face off with either Southwestern Oklahoma State or East Central University at 6 p.m.

-Josh Fink, Sports Information Director