Box Score MONTICELLO, Ark. – The Ouachita Tigers maintained their spot at the top of the Great American Conference standings with an 80-74 win over the University of Arkansas at Monticello on Thursday. Four Tigers scored in double-digits for Ouachita including
Tirrell Brown,
Micah Delph,
Justin McCleary and
Colt Fason.
The Tigers recorded 23 assists in the game, their highest amount in conference play this season. Ouachita ended with a field-goal percentage of 49 percent, and the Tigers netted 43 percent of their three-point attempts while holding UAM (5-11, 2-10 GAC) to only 25 percent.
The score remained close throughout the first half, despite the Tigers holding the lead for the final 16:50 of the period. After a dunk by Fason and five points from McCleary in the final 1:05 seconds of the half, Ouachita took a 39-33 lead into the break.
Brown led the way in the first half, scoring 13 points on 6-9 shooting from the field. McCleary added 10 points on 4-6 shooting, and
Carven Holcolmbe pulled down a team-high five rebounds.
Ouachita took over in the second half, as the Tigers opened with a 15-4 run to take a 20-point lead with under 15 minutes to play. The Weevils responded, however, and eventually pulled within eight points with seven minutes remaining. Despite the comeback attempt, the Tigers never surrendered their lead before eventually winning by six.
Brown scored in double-digits again in the second half, converting on 4-8 shots for 10 points. Delph led the Tigers with 11 second-half points, and
David Berete recorded six assists in the half.
For the game, the Tigers were out-rebounded 40-37 by the Weevils, but Ouachita forced four more turnovers.
Brown finished with a game-high 23 points on 10-17 shooting from the field, while grabbing six rebounds and blocking four shots. Delph followed with 17 points, six rebounds and six assists. McCleary recorded 16 points and four rebounds, and Fason ended with 14 points, nine boards and four blocks. Berete recorded only four points, but dished out nine assists while committing only one turnover.
The Tigers (13-4, 9-3 GAC) are currently tied with Southern Arkansas for the number-one spot in the GAC standings. The Tigers will host Arkansas Tech on Saturday, Jan. 31, in Bill Vining Arena. The game is scheduled for 3 p.m.
