The Ouachita Baptist University women’s basketball team recovered from its first home loss of the season by rallying from six down at the half to knock off Southern Arkansas, 66-54, in a Gulf South Conference West Division game Saturday at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center.
The Lady Tigers (18-7 overall, 7-5 GSC West) trailed 26-22 at the half took their first lead of the second half on a 3-pointer by Melissa Richardson with 16:08 remaining. Ouachita continued to score and extended the lead to 41-32 after a three-point play by Haley Griffin with 13:53 left.
Southern Arkansas (8-17, 2-10) tried to keep the game close as Lynzi Williams sank a 3-pointer with 12:51 left to cut the Ouachita margin to 41-35. However, the Lady Tigers used a 25-19 run to close out the game.
Gabby Coleman paced Ouachita with a double-double, 17 points and 10 rebounds. Angela Colliver had 11 points as the Lady Tigers, with the win and combined with a loss by rival Henderson State, will advance to next months Gulf South Conference Tournament in Southaven, Miss. Ouachita was 17-of-45 (38 percent) shooting and 29-of-36 (81 percent) from the foul line.
Goldie White was the lone Lady Mulerider to reach double figures in scoring, finishing with 18 points. Southern Arkansas was 17-of-53 (32 percent) from the floor and 17-of-21 (81 percent) from the charity stripe.
The Lady Tigers, who haven’t reached the GSC Tournament since the 2004-05 season, play their final home game of the season – Senior Night — 6:00 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26 against rival Henderson State in a Gulf South Conference West Division game at Bill Vining Arena. The game will be available to watch as Ouachita Baptist University will be doing a live webcast of both games and can catch them at: www.obusignal.com.
