By Sam Bennett, Staff Writer
In a riveting Battle of the Ravine basketball clash on Jan. 25, the Ouachita Baptist University Tigers and the Henderson State University Reddies delivered an unforgettable evening at Bill Vining Arena.
The men’s game unfolded as a showcase of skill and determination, with Emorie Knox’s stellar performance propelling the Ouachita Tigers to a 91-85 victory over their rivals. Knox’s unforgettable display, netting 39 points and tying NCAA Division II records, set the stage for a game that captivated fans from start to finish.
“I thought it was one of the best Battle of the Ravine atmospheres we’ve had here in a long time,” Head Coach Dennis Nutt said. “The student body, fans and especially the OBU Jazz Pep Band created a great home court advantage.”
Ouachita faced an early setback, trailing 6-0 after just two minutes. However, the team quickly responded, notching a 6-0 run to level the score. Knox’s 3-pointer with 5-and-a-half minutes left in the first half marked a turning point, giving the Tigers their first lead. Ouachita carried this momentum into halftime, holding a 39-30 advantage.
Knox’s incredible shooting, going 10-for-10 beyond the arc, tied NCAA Division II and Great American Conference records. Nutt commended the team’s defensive prowess.
“Defensively, we were dialed and had great focus on getting stops and rebounds,” Nutt said.
Levin Thornton, Assistant Coach of OBU’s Men’s Basketball Team, reflected on the significance of the game.
“I was very pleased with our guys’ effort and desire to win,” Thornton said. “We are starting to play better as a team, and these types of games are huge momentum builders going forward.”
The women’s game added another layer of excitement, extending to double overtime before Henderson State unfortunately secured a narrow 94-92 win over Ouachita. Despite the loss, Head Coach Robert Dallimore emphasized the “tremendous” environment and heart displayed by both teams.
“The Henderson game had a tremendous environment with both fan bases well represented,” Dallimore said. “I appreciate and give God the glory that both teams played at a high level and with a lot of heart.”
Madeleine Tipton led the Tigers with 18 points in a game that featured 13 lead changes and 16 tied scores.
The Battle of the Ravine proved to be a testament to talent and tenacity, leaving fans anticipating the next chapter in this fierce rivalry.
