Clarksville, Ark.-The Eagles rolled to a 97-89 victory over UT-Tyler in American Southwest Conference play on Thursday night setting up an important game with UT-Dallas on Saturday with the winner advancing to the ASC playoffs held February 27-28.
With Thursday’s win and East Texas Baptist’s overtime loss to Louisiana College, the Eagles take on the surprising UT-Dallas Comets in a 3:00 p.m. showdown in Clarksville to determine the second seed in the East Division. The four-team tournament will be held at the home of the West Division winner. Ozarks (11-13, 8-5) shot impressively from the field the entire night, shooting 55 percent in each half. The Eagles were particularly strong in the first half, nailing 4-of-6 (66%) from three-point range and totaling 49 points. Josh Joyner, Geoff Owens and Tyler Field combined for 34 points on 13-of-17 (76%) shooting from the field in the first twenty minutes of action. The Patriots (7-16, 5-8), who were down 49-41 at halftime, would hold the lead only twice in the second half. Ozarks did, however, have to overcome a 32 point performance from sharp shooting guard Brandon Weasby. Weasby would hit two free throws with 2:36 remaining in the contest to notch the score at 85-85. The Eagles quickly got the lead back after out scoring the Patriots 8-0 in a span of 1:37. Senior forward Geoff Owens led the squad with 18 points on 8-of-11 (72%) shooting from the floor. Josh Joyner and Jacob Sibley each had 16 points. Tyler Field added 12 points. Joyner led the team with 10 rebounds and Brad Johnson had 7 assists. Saturday’s women’s game is set for 1:00 p.m., followed by the men’s contest at 3:00 p.m. Two seniors will be honored following the women’s game and Homecoming will be held at halftime of the men’s game.
Topics: Athletics