COMMERCE, Texas – Behind 20 more points in the paint, the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions defeated the Ouachita Tigers 73-65 on Saturday. Ouachita's
Lakee Westbrook led all scorers with 24 points, recording his fifth 20-point game of the season.
Ouachita (2-7) took an early 8-2 lead behind back-to-back three-pointers from Westbrook in the first half. The Tigers held their lead for over 11 minutes, but an 11-2 run put the Lions ahead 21-20 with just over six minutes to go in the half.
After three quick lead changes, the Lions ended the half on a 10-1 run to take a 34-25 lead at the break. Westbrook scored a game-high 13 points in the half, including 4-7 shooting from three-point range. The Tigers converted on only 8-26 field goals, however, while TAMU-Commerce was 42.4 percent from the floor. The Lions also received a boost from their bench, outscoring Ouachita's bench 12-0 in the first period.
The Lions (6-2) claimed a double-digit lead in the second half and held a lead of at least 10 for the final 18:41 of the game. The Lions held their largest lead of 19 with 9:07 to go, but the Tigers eventually decreased the lead to 10 on a three by
Justin McCleary. The comeback could not be completed, though, as the Lions earned the 75-63 win.
Texas A&M-Commerce posted field-goal percentage of 50 percent in the second half while holding Ouachita to 35.3 percent. The Lions were only 7-17 from the free-throw line, however, and the Tigers converted on 10-13 from the line.
For the game, Ouachita was out-rebounded 50-41, and the Lions secured 17 offensive boards. The Lions had three players score in double-digits, including Bryant Crowder, Anthony Adams and Jeremy Jones with 16 points, 15 points and 12 points, respectively. The Tigers had two double-digit scorers, including Westbrook and
Justin McCleary, who had 13 points.
The Tigers will travel to Nashville, Tenn. for their next contest, as Ouachita will take on Belmont University. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
