ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - It was a tale of two halves for the Ouachita Tigers as they begin their season with a 76-72 win over the University of Texas at Tyler. The Tigers outscored the Patriots 42-26 in the second half led by
Lakee Westbrook's 17 points. The Tigers begin the year 1-0 as they enter conference play next week.
Poor shooting and play execution found Ouachita trailing 46-34 at the half. After adjustments made by Coach Nutt and his staff at the halftime, Ouachita came out with a 10-0 run to cut the Patriot's lead to two points. Westbrook nailed back-to-back threes to close out the rally. After a layup by UT-Tyler, Westbrook drained another one from long range to bring the Tigers within one. With 13:15 to play int he second half,
Mahlon Martin hit a three off the dribble to give Ouachita a 52-51 lead.
Leading 61-60 with 6:43 left to play, the Tigers produced a 6-0 run, culminated by a dunk from Aitor Lopez-Breton off the dish from
Jordan Corbitt to put the Tigers up seven. It was their largest lead of the game. Good free throw shooting and a clutch three by UT-Tyler's Chase Mason with 29 seconds remaining cut the Ouachita lead to one.
Justin McCleary and Westbrook would make all their free throws down the stretch to hold the lead. Westbrook's steal with under four seconds play sealed the win for Ouachita.
The Tigers return to action Thursday, Nov. 17 at Bill Vining Arena. They'll open GAC play with Oklahoma Baptist. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
