ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Tigers started slow but took over in the second half to earn a much-needed victory over Harding 72-64.

The first half was a struggle for the Tigers as they turned it over as many times as they made a field goal, seven. Coming out of halftime the Tigers looked like a new team. Ouachita put it all together in the second half with consistent three-point shooting and increased physicality for an eight-point victory.

Trey Harris led the Tigers with 21 points. Allie Freeman added 14 and Kendarious Smith contributed 13.

Emir Ahmedic led the Bisons with 14 points. Jordan West scored 13.

The Tigers started off sluggish with 1-6 shooting and four turnovers in the first four minutes. Harding, on the other hand, took advantage of the Tiger's slow start and controlled the game for the entire first half.

Harding turned it over 11 times, but the Tigers were unable to take advantage of the miscues. The Tigers shot an uncharacteristic 2-13 from deep in the first 20 minutes.

Ouachita's shooting woes were costly, but the Tigers closed the gap in the final five minutes to head into the locker room down just 32-27.

The Tigers came out in the second half with a sense of urgency. Kendarious Smith put the Tigers up 41-40 for its first lead since 2-0 on an and-one layup. The Tigers took over with a lead that increased to as much as 10.

With about one to play Trey Harris buried a corner three then followed it up with two free throws to propel the Tigers into the finish line with a victory.

Ouachita improved to 10-11, 7-9 in conference play and continue to pick up big wins in order to put themselves in the conversation for the conference tournament. Harding dropped to 7-15, 2-14 in conference.

The Tigers next game will be the Battle of the Ravine Thursday, Feb. 13 at home against Henderson State University. The game will start at 7:30 p.m. To stay up to date on all things Tiger basketball, stay tuned to obutigers.com.