Clarksville, Ark.-The U of O men's and women's basketball team each recorded victories over Howard Payne University yesterday afternoon in American Southwest Conference crossover action.
The Eagles (8-4, 1-0) were victorious 108-98 while the Lady Eagles (7-4, 0-1) captured a 80-73 win in overtime. The Lady Eagles overcame a three-point deficit with 30 seconds left in regulation to tie the game and then outscored Howard Payne 16-9 in overtime to seal the win. Ozarks’ twin towers played prominent roles in the victory. 6-1 senior center Christie Shuffield had her best game of the season by hitting 11 of 17 field goals to lead Ozarks with 25 points. She also grabbed 14 rebounds and recorded four assists. Shuffield, the second leading shot blocker in the ASC, tallied three blocked shots in the game. 6-1 junior forward Mandy Thomas scored 20 points and had nine rebounds. Thomas completed a fine all-around performance by dishing out four assists, blocking two shots and recording two steals. Kristy Watts chipped in with 12 points for the Lady Eagles. The Eagles shot a season high 62 percent from the field to record their second straight win over an ASC crossover opponent. Ozarks had six players in double figures with Mandrell Howell scoring a career high 30 points. The Eagles held a 54-46 halftime lead thanks to hitting 22 of 31 (71%) of their shots. U of O also hit 13 of 17 (76%) from the free throw line in the game. Howell, a sophomore guard, nailed 13 of his 19 shots from the field and recorded three steals. Brian Henderson scored 17 points and Geoffrey Owens had 14 points. Ricky Johnson and Ulysses Ruley each scored 12 points while Brent Gibbs added 10 points. Ozarks will face University of Dallas in Clarksville on January 10. The women’s game is set for 5:30 p.m. with the men’s following.
Topics: Athletics