COMMERCE, Texas- Despite leading for the majority of the game’s first and second half play, Ouachita Baptist couldn’t hold off a strong surge by Texas A&M-Commerce in the game’s final 1:57, as the Lions came away with a 62-59 non-conference victory at Commerce, Texas on Monday.
Ouachita (4-9) took the lead with 5:28 left in the first half and held it until 1:57 left in the second half, only to fall to Texas A&M-Commerce (11-2) in the final minutes. The Tigers led 33-22 at half, but the Lions outscored Ouachita 40-26 in the second half. Despite recording a higher shooting percentage, the Tigers committed 22 turnovers and the Lions went to the free-throw line for 13 more attempts in the three-point loss.
Freshman Julian LaDay led Ouachita with 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while freshman Olden Jordan added 10 points and two steals. Senior Belford Williams led the Tigers with six rebounds and added eight points, while junior Scott Day added nine points, six rebounds and three assists.
Ouachita shot 45 percent from the field, including 27 percent on 3-pointers and 70 percent from the free-throw line. Both teams recorded 28 rebounds each, while the Tigers also secured eight steals as a team.
Texas A&M-Commerce’s Preston Whitley led all scorers wtih 19 points and three assists on 6-of-8 shooting, while Sammy Jackson recorded 15 points in the win. The Lions shot 37 percent overall, including 25 percent on 3-pointers and 81 percent from the free-throw line.
Ouachita Baptist begins Gulf South Conference play against Delta State (8-3) on Saturday at Bill Vining Arena in Arkadelphia. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.
