Clarksville, Ark.-The University of the Ozarks women's basketball pulled away from No. 16-ranked Mississippi College with less than three minutes left in the game to gain a 81-70 victory in American Southwest Conference play on Saturday.
It is the first time Ozarks (11-10, 10-8) defeated the Lady Choctaws (16-3, 14-3) since the 2001-2002 season when the Lady Eagles recorded a 78-66 victory in Clarksville in January of 2002. The victory also gives head coach Kelly Stutz her biggest win since her hiring last year. After a back-and-forth second half, the Lady Eagles eventually pulled away from Mississippi College using a 13-5 run beginning at the 2:55 mark. Lori Moon started the burst with two free throws and LaTisha McCalister would score three points to increase the lead to 72-65 with 2:17 left. McCalister would hit another free throw with 50 seconds remaining to push the advantage to 77-67 and seal the contest. The Lady Eagles beat the Lady Chocs down the court on numerous occasions throughout the game, which helped them hold a 34-29 lead at halftime. Ozarks also out rebounded Mississippi College 47-36. McCalister led Ozarks with 23 points, including hitting 9-of-11 from the free throw line. Mandi Carter followed with 13 points and Chandra Briggs added 11 points. Olivia Fisher and McCalister each had 8 rebounds. Lori Moon recorded 6 steals. The Lady Eagles will host UT-Tyler on February 9.
Topics: Athletics