ARKADELPHIA – The Ouachita women's basketball team rallied from behind with a last-minute push to beat Missouri Western State at home on Monday night by a final score of 78-70.
The Griffons (2-5) led for nearly 30 minutes of Monday's night's game, but the Tigers (2-1) finished on top thanks in part to a fourth-quarter scoring surge of 25 points, nine of which coming in the final 50 seconds.
Samantha Watson made a layup with 50 seconds remaining in regulation for the game's 11th and final lead change, putting the Tigers up 71-70. That started a 9-0 run for the in the final minute. The other seven Ouachita points came at the foul line.
Madeleine Tipton was 5-for-6 at the charity stripe during that stretch.
Heidi Robinson added the other two.
That last-minute rally was a part of a larger 12-2 run for the Tigers that stretched the final three minutes. Ouachita connected on six of its final eight field goal attempts.
The first three periods were close with the Griffons holding the advantage throughout, leading by as many as seven early in the second period.
Tipton led all scorers in the contest with 21 points, nine of which coming at the free throw stripe. She also had team-highs in rebounds (seven) and assists (six).
Abbey Harrison added 14 points. Robinson finished with 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Kayden Porter added 11 points.
The Tigers break for the Thanksgiving holiday and return to action this Saturday, November 29 on the road against Arkansas-Fort Smith. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.
