Box Score
ARKADELPHIA, Ark.- The first and second half were very different stories for the Ouachita Lady Tigers (15-5, 10-4 GAC) on Saturday, as they took on the Crimson Storm of Southern Nazarene (12-9, 9-6 GAC). The Lady Tigers trailed for the entire first half, before a late rally put them in position to tie, or even win, the game. Southern Nazarene held the late run off though, pulling out a 72-69 win.
 
The Lady Tigers entered the locker room at halftime facing a seven point deficit, as Southern Nazarene shot 51.5 percent from the floor compared to 40.6 percent for Ouachita. The Crimson Storm not only led in scoring and field goal percentage, but also forced nine turnovers to their nine and outrebounded the Lady Tigers 20-15 in the half.
 
In the second half, it became a game of runs. Southern Nazarene stretched their lead to as many as 15 points with 13:10 left in the game, but the Lady Tigers didn't give up, bouncing back with a run of their own and cutting the lead to just five points with 4:23 left in the game.
 
A 5-0 run from Ouachita cut the Crimson Storm lead to just a point with 2:46 left, which allowed the Lady Tigers to tie the game at 68 with a little over a minute left in the game. A two from SNU, followed by a made pair of free throws for the Crimson Storm sealed a win though.
 
Katherine West led Ouachita in scoring, knocking down 19 points and recording six assists and four steals in the game. Erica Sharp finished the game with 18 points, making six of her eight attempts from the floor and knocking down all four of her shots from the charity stripe. Nashia James finished with 12 points, while recording five rebounds, tied with Elise Holman for the team high.
 
The Crimson Storm used 23 points from Annie Kassongo to pave the way for their victory. Aminata Fall recorded 17 points and 18 rebounds in the game, while Oumoul Thiam notched 11 points. Fall was not only instrumental on offense though, recording eight blocks and two steals.
 
The Lady Tigers return to action on Thursday, when they travel to Russellville to take on the Golden Suns of Arkansas Tech. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
 
-Josh Fink, Sports Information Director