ARKADELPHIA- Ouachita used a strong first half to hold off Ecclesia, 81-64, in a non-conference matchup at Bill Vining Arena on Thursday.
Ouachita (2-4) shot 50 percent overall on the night and built a 45-28 lead at halftime. Ecclesia didn’t go quietly, however, matching the Tigers shot for shot at 36-36 in the second half.
It was a great performance on the evening from the free-throw line, as the Tigers finished at 91 percent at 11-for-12. In the paint, Ouachita held the advantage in rebounds 41-27, as five players scored in double figures.
Among the offensive leaders for the Tigers was senior Scott Day with 18 points and nine rebounds, while junior teammate Emmanuel Engulu finished with 15 points and five rebounds. Senior Jeremy Banks and sophomore Austin Mitchell each added 12 points, while sophomore Nigel Ramsey finished with 11.
For Ecclesia, Greg Lang scored a game-high 19 points with seven rebounds, while teammate Cody Wilmeth added 14 points in the loss.
Ouachita will return to Bill Vining Arena on Thursday, Dec. 9 to face College of the Ozarks at 7 p.m.
