MAGNOLIA, Arkansas – The Ouachita women's basketball team went on the road for the final time of the 2024-25 season on Thursday resulting in a 70-61 loss to Southern Arkansas.
The first half was a tale of two periods. The Tigers led 20-16 after the first period, highlighted by an 8-0 run to give Ouachita a nine-point lead late in the frame.
Ouachita went cold in the second period, while SAU posted a 17-2 scoring run to take a lead at the 6:33 mark. SAU led by as much as six during the rally. Ouachita finished the half strong by holding the Muleriders scoreless in the final two minutes to take a 30-29 lead into the locker room at the break.
The third period was similar to the second. SAU used an 18-4 run in the final seven minutes of the period to build a 12-point lead heading into the final 10 minutes.
In the fourth period, the Tigers cut their deficit down to seven on two different occasions, but the Muleriders took advantage of a 24-11 differential in fouls called to outscore Ouachita 21-8 at the foul line overall. In the fourth period alone, SAU was 13-for-13 on foul shots. Ouachita did not reach the foul line at all in the final 10 minutes.
Ouachita finished the game at 37 percent shooting from the field (23-for-63), 37 percent on three-pointers (7-for-19), and 89 percent on foul shots (8-for-9). SAU finished at 35 percent overall (21-for-60), and 88 percent on foul shots (21-for-24).
Laney Mears led the Tigers with 20 points and also turned in a team-high seven rebounds.
Madeleine Tipton added 17 points.
Abbey Harrison also reached double-digits in scoring with 10 points.
The Tigers wrap up the season on Saturday at home against Arkansas-Monticello. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. at Bill Vining Arena. The Senior Day ceremony will take place immediately after the game.
