Clarksville, Ark.-The Eagles avenged a playoff eliminating loss to UT-Dallas last season with a 87-80 victory on Thursday night in American Southwest Conference play.
Behind 56 points from its starting five, the Eagles (7-6, 5-5) evened their league record and found redemption in doing so against the visiting Comets (5-8, 3-7). The Comets, who knocked the Eagles out of the playoffs in the season finale a year ago, trailed by double-digits for most of the season half and were unable to stop a balanced Ozarks’ scoring attack. Ozarks took a 39-35 halftime lead after an impressive shooting performance from the floor. Ozarks totaled 15 field goals in the first half, with 7 of those coming from the three-point line. In second half play, the Eagles gained a 68-53 advantage when Andy Brakebill hit a three-pointer with 7:15 remaining in the contest. Brakebill would nail another three at the 4:07 mark to give Ozarks a 76-60 lead. Ozarks also benefited from a strong free throw shooting performance in the second half to offset any Comet runs. The Eagles made 16-of-19 (84%) from the charity stripe. Brent Johnson scored 19 points to lead the team. Josh Joyner added 11 points and Habeeb Kareem and Chris Clark each scored 10 points. Kareem led the team with 7 rebounds. Brad Johnson recorded 6 steals in the win. Ozarks will host UT-Tyler in ASC action on January 15 at 3:00 p.m.
Topics: Athletics