ARKADELPHIA- On a night where Ouachita shot 52 percent from the field, it was the defensive stops and pressure that led the Tigers to a 88-67 victory over College of the Ozarks on Thursday at Bill Vining Arena.
Ouachita (3-4) was up against a talented NAIA opponent in College of the Ozarks (7-4), but the one constant remained the Tigers ability to force the Bobcats into tough shots throughout the night. Turnovers were at a premium all night, as the Tigers committed just four, while College of the Ozarks were forced in 14.
The 52 percent shooting performance was the highest percentage of the season, but it wasn’t entirely uncommon, as the Tigers averaged 44 percent coming into the night. What stood out numbers-wise was 33 percent night for the Bobcats. College of the Ozarks entered with a season average of 44 percent, and if it wasn’t for a 23-of-28 performance from the free-throw line, it might have been an even wider margin.
In fact, College of the Ozarks benefitted from 18-straight free-throws made at one point in the second half.
The all-around performance from senior Jeremy Banks highlighted the victory for Ouachita, as the Birmingham, Ala. native finished with 12 points, six rebounds and six assists. Sophomore teammate Austin Mitchell led the way for the Tigers with 16 points, while senior Scott Day chipped in 15. Sophomore Nigel Ramsey scored in double digits for his third-straight game with 10 points, while also adding seven assists.
On the night, Ouachita shot 52 percent on 34-of-63 shooting, including 42 percent on three-pointers. The Tigers shot 53 percent from the free-throw line.
The Tigers return to action on Dec. 11 as Ouachita travels to Florence, Ala. to face North Alabama at 3 p.m.
