WEATHERFORD, Okla. – Kendarious Smith's career night of 34 points and 12 rebounds carried the Tigers to a victory in so doing clinching a berth to the Great American Conference Tournament.
 
The win would give Ouachita its third consecutive win and fifth win in six games. Wesley Franklin put in a season high performance of 17 points and added nine rebounds. Allie Freeman off the bench put in 11 points going a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line.
 
The Tigers would strike first in the game as Kendarious Smith would hit a three pointer at the 18:49 mark in the half. The Tigers and Bulldogs would exchange buckets until the Tigers would go on a 10-1 run which consisted of six points from Smith and four from Franklin. The Tigers would extend their lead to 10 at 28-18 on an Allie Freeman three. The Bulldogs would fight back and make the game close before a Tiger's 10-4 run returned the lead back to double digits. Ouachita would take a 42-36 lead into the break led by KD Smith's 24 points.
 
Out of the half the Tigers would extend their lead out to 11 off of two Smith free throws and a Matthew Ward three pointer. Ouachita would return every bucket that the Bulldogs would get maintaining a double-digit lead throughout the second half. Matthew Ward, KD Smith and Allie Freeman would lead the second half charge. A Trey Harris layup would give the Tigers at the time their largest lead of the game at 71-56. The Bulldogs would cut the lead to eight at 74-66 before the Tigers shut the door with an 8-0 run with Wesley Franklin and Allie Freeman scoring four a piece. The Tigers would end their last road game with an 82-70 victory.
 
Quick Facts

• The Tigers shot 41.8% from the field and 32.3% from behind the three point line.
• The Tigers outrebounded the Bulldogs 49-37 including 11-6 on the offensive glass.
• The 49 rebounds are a season high for the Tigers and the most since the 2015-2016 season.
• Ouachita led the game for a total of 37 minutes and 41 seconds.
• KD Smith has averaged now 22.5 points in the last two games.
• Smith's 34 points were the most by a Tiger since Lakee Westbrook during the 2016-2017 season.
• Allie Freeman's 8 made free throws is the most by a Tiger in a game this season.
• The 17 assists are the third most in a game this season and the five blocks were the most in a game this year.
• The Tigers will return to the Great American Conference Tournament for the second consecutive season.
• The Tigers won the 2016 GAC Tournament Title.

 
The Tigers will return to Bill Vining Arena on February 28 to take on East Central at 7:30 PM.