MAGNOLIA- After battling through first half action, the Lady Tigers shed much more clarity on the fact that they are one of the top teams in the Gulf South Conference West Division, defeating Southern Arkansas, 71-60, in GSC West action in Magnolia at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center on Saturday.
Ouachita (16-5, 7-2 GSC West) will have their chance to prove it on Monday, as the victory prepares the Lady Tigers for a showdown with No. 3 Delta State on Monday at Bill Vining Arena.
Against the Lady Muleriders (3-16, 2-7), Ouachita struggled to a 33-32 halftime lead, before outdistancing themselves in second half action for a 38-28 advantage. While shooting percentages were slightly below season averages (35 percent compared to season average of 40.1 percent), the Lady Tigers found a way to force 27 turnovers defensively, while junior A’Laeshia Adams scored a game-high 24 points, including 12-of-12 on free-throws.
The victory marked the 16th time that Ouachita has forced 20-plus turnovers, while the Lady Tigers are 6-1 on the season when the team shoots above 70 percent at the free-throw line.
Adams finished with 24 points on 6-of-16 shooting, including three rebounds and two steals. Junior teammate Domino Miller recorded 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, with four rebounds and three steals. Both players were the only Lady Tigers in double figures, as balanced scoring aided Ouachita down the stretch in the win. Adams scored 20 points for the sixth time, while it also marked the 11th time in 21 games where the Little Rock product had led Ouachita in scoring. Junior Beulah Osueke led Ouachita with seven rebounds and added six points, while junior Tamara Robinson added nine points and eight rebounds and senior Gabby Coleman, eight points and a game-high five steals.
For Southern Arkansas, the Lady Muleriders shot 40 percent and were led by 16 points from Goldie White and 13 from Shenelda Levingston.
The Lady Tigers have a day to rest then Ouachita will return to the court for a 6 p.m. tip-off on Monday against Delta State. The game also marks the PINK OUT festivities where fans are encouraged to wear pink and bring a donation to support Breast Cancer Awareness to Bill Vining Arena. All donations above $1, will receive a pink bracelet to honor their commitment for a cure.
