GAME DETAILS
University of the Ozarks 75, McMurry University 58 
Records: University of the Ozarks (7-3, 7-3 ASC), McMurry University (4-15, 4-11 ASC)
Saturday, March 6, 2021
Abilene, Texas |  Kimbrell Arena

THE BASICS
The Eagles captured their first American Southwest Conference East Division title with a 75-58 win over McMurry University Saturday. It is the program's first title since the university joined the ASC in 1996-97. As the division winners, the Eagles will host a conference tournament quarterfinal game against LeTourneau University March 10. Under head coach Travis Carruthers, the Eagles had the highest winning percentage among division teams with a .700 percentage. The determined Eagles led 37-21 at halftime and held McMurry to just eight field goals in the first half. The Eagles then shot 14-of-23 (60%) from the field in the second half. In the game, McMurry went a cold 1-of-23 from the three-point line. Bryson Johnson led the Eagles with 17 points.  

"It is a little surreal right now," said head coach Travis Carruthers. "This senior group is really special. Even with all the unknowns, they came together and trusted one another. This is a very tough team. And, they are really in this together. This is a very fun group, too. I don't know if I've ever had as much fun the past four or five months." 

All this comes after the Eagles were picked to finish last in the ASC preseason poll.  "We kept a picture of the preseason ranking with us on a group message all season," said senior guard Bryson Johnson. "It was extra motivation for us. This senior group and team mean everything to me. They keep me going."

QUARTERFINALS: Wednesday, March 10
Higher seed hosts

Game 1: #3E UT Dallas (9-4) at #2E Louisiana College (9-4)
6:00 p.m. / Pineville, La.

Game 2: #4W Concordia Texas (5-6) at #1W Mary Hardin-Baylor (16-3)
6:00 p.m. / Belton, Texas

Game 3: #3W Sul Ross State (9-11) at #2W Hardin-Simmons (15-7)
7:30 p.m. / Abilene, Texas

Game 4: #4E LeTourneau (7-3) at #1E Ozarks (7-3)
6:00 p.m. / Clarksville, Ark.

SEMIFINALS: Sunday, March 14
Host: Highest remaining East Division Seed
Game 5: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4

CHAMPIONSHIP: Monday, March 15
Game 7: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6

ASC Championship Web Site: https://ascsports.org/news/2021/1/6/2021-mens-basketball-championship-central.aspx

LEADERS
Scoring – Bryson Johnson (17)
Rebounding – Tim Turpin, Bryson Johnson (8)
Assists – Bryson Johnson (9)

KEY STATISTICS
The Eagles held McMurry to a 1-of-23 shooting clip from the three-point line.

NOTABLES
It is the program's first East Division title since the university joined the ASC in 1996-97.

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

UP NEXT
The Eagles will face LeTourneau University March 10 in the American Southwest Conference Quarterfinals in Clarksville.