Clarksville, Ark.-Ozarks scored the first six points in overtime to hold off East Texas Baptist University 82-77 in a thrilling American Southwest Conference win Thursday night.
After dominating the first half, Ozarks (6-14, 4-12 ASC) slowed down in the second half, but came up big in overtime. The Eagles took a 76-70 lead to open the overtime period before East Texas Baptist (12-8, 9-6 ASC) would score their first points in the extra period. The Tigers did narrow the gap to 78-74 after a pair of free throws with 2:08 left, but the Eagles allowed just one more Tiger basket the rest of the way.
Ozarks played an outstanding first half with Ronnie Dodd and Marcus Bobb combining for 31 points, and the Eagles went into intermission with a 43-28 advantage. But the Tigers eventually trimmed it to 56-50 at the 13:35 mark of the second half. Bobb and Dodd then scored back-to-back baskets to put Ozarks ahead ten points. Ozarks held a 67-61 lead with 4:26 left in regulation, but that is when East Texas Baptist reeled off a 9-1 run. The Tigers would tie it, 70-70, on a shot with 13 seconds left. A Charles Palmer shot rolled around the rim that would have ended the game, but instead popped out and forced overtime.
Dodd finished with 26 points on 11-of-20 shooting from the field. Bobb posted a double-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Joshua Clark added 12 points.
Ozarks will host Centenary College this Saturday.
Coach Boxell Interview: http://youtu.be/Ifw3Fu0gavc
Topics: Athletics