ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - Despite excellent shooting and a late fourth-quarter comeback, the Ouachita Lady Tigers could not steal a game away from Northwest Missouri State as they fell 78-70 in their season opener. The Lady Tigers shot nearly 52 percent from the floor in the game.
Chasidee Owens led the way with 12 points, while
Katie Kapler and
Madison Brittain added 11 each.
After falling behind 23-13 in th first quarter, the Lady Tigers responded in the second quarter by outscoring Northwestern Missouri State 26-15. Down by 12 at the beginning of the second, a 6-0 run cute Northwestern's lead in half. The Lady Tigers chipped away by converting on turnovers and eliminating second-chance shots for NWMSU. With just under three mintes to play in the quarter,
Madison Brittain drained a three and the Lady Tigers only trailed 35-32.
Katie Kapler followed with a layup and converted the free throw after being fouled on the shot to tie the game at 35-35. Consecutive layups by
Morgan Miller at the end of the half put the Lady Tigers up 39-38.Â
Northwestern Missouri State regained the lead int he third quarter, outscoring Ouachita 22-15. Entering the fourth quarter the Lady Tigers trailed by six. With just over two minutes remaining and the Lady Tigers down 11, free throws from
Chasidee Owens and a three from Brittain within 20 seconds pulled Ouachita within six. Two consecutive buckets from
Taylor Bowles kept the Lady Tigers within six, but Southwestern Missouri State would close out the game sinking free throws and winning by a final of 78-70.Â
The Lady Tigers return to action on Saturday, Nov. 12 versus Southwest Baptist University. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.
