Box Score ADA, Okla. - Despite a 19 point effort from senior Nashia James, the Lady Tigers lost their first conference game on Thursday, falling to East Central 63-55.
In the first half, OBU was able to jump out to an early 7-4 lead, but East Central stormed back to take a lead that they kept for the rest of the half. The Lady Tigers were plagued by 28.6% shooting from the field and only three free-throws in the half. ECU was able to claim the the first half by a score of 33-22 because of their 15 free-throws made.
The Lady Tigers improved their shooting tremendously in the second half, shooting 35.7% from the field. James led all scorers in the half with 11 points, five of which coming from the charity stripe. Ouachita also won the turnover, forcing 14 and only committing seven. East Central's first half lead was just too large to overcome, however, as the game ended 63-55.
Both teams finished the game shooting 32% from the field, but East Central's 24 made free-throws were the difference in ECU stealing the win. ECU grabbed 24 more rebounds, as well.
OBU was able to make more of their defense, as the Lady Tigers scored 19 points off of ECU's 23 turnovers.
James ended up the high scorer in the game, finishing with 19 points. She also added six rebounds and two assists. Sophomore Alexis Sharp and senior Elise Holman recorded double-digits in scoring, as well, ending with 12 points and 10 points, respectively. Junior Ashley Johnson led the Lady Tigers with seven rebounds.
The OBU Lady Tigers (0-3, 0-1) take the court again on Saturday, Nov. 23, as they play in their second GAC matchup of the season against the Southeastern Oklahoma Savage Storm. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. in Durant, Okla.
