Box Score ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Two last-second free-throws from
Breanna Harris helped the Lady Tigers grabbed their first win of the season on Saturday, defeating UA- Fort Smith 70-72. Harris led OBU with 16 points, scoring 13 in the second half.
The score was close throughout the entire first half, but Fort Smith was able to grab and early lead and hold on for most of the half. The Lions' largest lead of the half was eight points, before the Lady Tigers went on a 9-0 run to take a one-point lead with seven minutes left to play. For the final seven minutes of the half, the teams remained neck-and-neck until the half ended at a 32-32 tie.
Katie Kapler proved to be the MVP of the first half, scoring 11 points and grabbing five rebounds. Kapler shot 3-4 from the field and 5-5 from the line.
Erica Sharp established herself inside, as well, as she finished the half with seven boards.
In the second half, the Lady Tigers were able to maintain a small lead for the first eight minutes before UAFS made their run. The Lions took the lead at 48-47 and began to run away with the game. After the Lions established another eight-point lead, the Lady Tigers battled back once again, this time going on a 10-1 run. Harris led the charge, nailing two three-pointers in a 20-second span.
UAFS jumped on top after a three-pointer with 1:31 left to play, giving the Lions a 70-68 lead. On the Lady Tigers' next possession,
Erica Sharp missed a layup but grabbed her own rebound and scored, tying the game. After a defensive stop, the Lady Tigers grabbed possession with 30 seconds left to play. OBU held the ball for the final shot, and with four seconds to play, Harris drove to the basket but was fouled. Harris then made two free-throws to give the Lady Tigers a two-point lead. A desperate three as time expired did not fall for the Lions, and Ouachita stole the victory.
The game featured 10 ties and seven lead-changes. OBU's win was propelled by 10 second-chance points and 32 bench-points.
Harris' 16 points were a team-high, followed by
Katie Kapler with 13 and
Nashia James and
Ashley Johnson with 13 points each. 10 of Johnson's 13 points came in the second half.
Kapler led all players with nine boards, and
Katherine West had a team-high five assists.
The Lady Tigers were extremely dangerous from deep, shooting 42.9% from beyond the arc. They also scored 22 points off of the Lions' 20 turnovers.
The Lady Tigers (1-6, 0-3) travel to Commerce, Texas on Thursday, Dec. 19, to take on Texas A&M-Commerce. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.