While both teams shot at the same level, it was senior Belford Williams who gave the Tigers an edge over Southern Arkansas, defeating the Muleriders, 69-64, in a Gulf South Conference matchup at Bill Vining Arena in Arkadelphia on Saturday.
Ouachita (7-18, 3-9 GSC West) used a 21-point, 10-rebound and five block performance by Williams to overpower Southern Arkansas (9-16, 4-8) to give Ouachita the victory at home.
The Tigers took a 38-26 rebounding advantage to break a 33-33 halftime tie.
Williams led all scorers with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting, while freshman Olden Jordan added 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Freshman Emmanuel Engulu added nine points, all in the second half, while junior Scott Day recorded eight points.
Ouachita shot 45 percent overall on 23-of-51 attempts, including 12 percent on 3-pointers and 77 percent from the free-throw line (21-of-27).
Southern Arkansas was led by Sanchez Dade who led the Muleriders with 20 points, four rebounds, five steals and four assists.
Teammate Justin Stuart added 17 points, while Channin Harden recorded 12 points.
The Muleriders shot 46 percent, including 37 percent on 3-points and 62 percent from the free-throw line.
Ouachita travels to Henderson State tonight for the second installment of the Battle of the Ravine series at Henderson’s Duke Wells Gym at 7:30 p.m.
By Alan Greenwood, Sports Information Director
