ARKADELPHIA – The Ouachita women's basketball team opened 2024 with a dominating 76-39 victory over Oklahoma Baptist at home on Thursday.
The Tigers (6-3, 4-1 GAC) built a big lead, as much as 32 points in the first half, due to stingy defense that held the Bison (5-6, 2-3 GAC) scoreless for a span of 13 minutes that started late in the first period and ended late in the second. Ouachita's largest lead of 39 points came with 13 seconds remaining in regulation.
While holding the Bison to a 27 percent shooting night, the Tigers were hitting on all cylinders with a 53 percent shooting performance overall (28-for-53) and a 53 percent night on three-pointers (10-for-17).
Three Tigers reached double-digits in scoring, led by
Madeleine Tipton with 17 points.
Laney Mears added 14 points.
Grayson Fairless chipped in with 11 points and eight rebounds.
Brooke Smith led all players with nine rebounds, which was a season-high for the freshman.
The win is Ouachita's most lop-sided conference victory during
Robert Dallimore's tenure as head coach, beating out a 35-point win over Arkansas-Monticello in the 2021-22 season finale.
The Tigers wrap up the weekend on Saturday at home against seventh-ranked Southern Nazarene. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. at Vining Arena.
