GAME DETAILS
University of the Ozarks 94, Howard Payne University 88
Records: University of the Ozarks (2-1, 2-1 ASC), Howard Payne University (0-11, 0-6 ASC)
Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021
Clarksville, Ark. | Mabee Gymnasium

THE BASICS
The Eagles fought off a slow rally from Howard Payne University late in the game to claim a 94-88 win Saturday on Senior Day. Prior to the game, Lynden Gibson, Seth Duke, Darnel Renelique, Zach Bobo, Tim Turpin and Bryson Johnson were honored for their successes on and off the court. The Eagles owned a 44-25 halftime lead and then cruised for most of the second half until Howard Payne made a rally. The Eagles built a 60-49 advantage with 11:07 remaining in the game. Howard Payne then trimmed the deficit to 65-58 two minutes later. The Eagles would continue to go to the free throw line to stave off a complete rally and went ahead 80-60 with 5:04 left. But Howard Payne made it interesting and trailed 93-88 with less than 20 seconds left. Johnson and Zach Byrd hit a combined 13 free throws in the second half. Johnson scored 25 points, dished out seven assists and grabbed five rebounds. Byrd posted a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. 

LEADERS
Scoring – Bryson Johnson (25)
Rebounding –Zach Byrd (12)
Assists – Bryson Johnson (7) 

KEY STATISTICS
The Eagles hit 20 free throws in the second half to keep Howard Payne from completing a comeback.

NOTABLES
Bryson Johnson had another strong all-around game with 25 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Zach Byrd posted a double-double, his first of the season, with 17 points and 12 rebounds. 

OZARKS STARTERS
Bryson Johnson, Seth Duke, Zach Bobo, Zach Byrd, Tim Turpin

UP NEXT
The Eagles will travel to Texas to face East Texas Baptist February 4 and LeTourneau February 6.