ARKADELPHIA – The Ouachita women's basketball team improved its performance period-by-period in route to a 64-55 Great American Conference victory over East Central at home on Thursday night.
Ouachita (7-6, 5-4 GAC) started the game slow, only getting seven points in the first period, but added 12 in the second period to cut what was once a 12-point deficit down to four at the halftime break.
The purple Tigers controlled both periods in the second half, including a 25-point performance in the final 10 minutes to pull away for the win and snap a three-game losing skid.
Ouachita took advantage of 27 fouls called against ECU (5-8, 1-8 GAC) to connect on 19-of-21 foul shots. The biggest difference of the game was Ouachita's four more made field goals than ECU. The purple Tigers finished at 40 percent from the field (21-for-52). The orange Tigers finished at 37 percent (17-for-46). Both teams were held to just three made three-pointers and the rebounding battle ended even at 29 each.
Laney Mears led all scorers with 19 points and was a perfect 8-for-8 at the foul line.
Samantha Watson added a career-high 12 points and was also perfect at the foul line at 4-for-4.
Joey Babel led the Tigers in both rebounds and assists with seven in both columns, and tied for the team-high in assists with three.
Ouachita is back at home on Saturday to take on Southeastern Oklahoma State. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. at Vining Arena.
