Clarksville, Ark.-The Eagles gave the undefeated McMurry University War Hawks all it wanted before falling 84-73 Thursday night in American Southwest Conference play.
Ozarks (2-4, 0-3 ASC) held the lead for most of the first half behind the hot hand of David Robertson. Robertson drilled four three-pointers and had Ozarks ahead 22-15 at the 9:43 mark. But the War Hawks (5-0, 3-0 ASC) fought back to tie the game, 28-28, with 4:51 left on a three-point shot. The Eagles faced a 37-35 halftime deficit.
In the second half, McMurry had trouble pulling away from the Eagles despite shooting nearly 60 percent from the floor. The War Hawks built a 58-50 lead with 10:16 remaining before Bryton Flint cut it to 58-55 with a basket and a free throw. After McMurry charged out to a nine-point lead just minutes later, Ozarks responded again with a run to pull within 64-58 on a Ronnie Dodd jumper. McMurry extended its lead to double digits at the 5:26 mark, but Ozarks again answered with a run to make it 68-62 with 4:29 left. However, that would be as close as it would get.
Four reached double figures for Ozarks, with Robertson leading the way with 16 points. Andrew Cummings hit all four of his field goal shots to score 13 points. Dodd added 12 and Jermery Victor finished with 10. Flint had a team-best nine rebounds.
Ozarks will host Hardin-Simmons University this Saturday.
Topics: Athletics