GAME DETAILS
Belhaven University 68, University of the Ozarks 63
Records: University of the Ozarks (13-12, 9-7 ASC), Belhaven University (8-17, 4-12 ASC)
Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019
Clarksville, Ark. | Mabee Gymnasium
THE BASICS
On a day where neither team was able to find much success shooting the ball, the visiting Belhaven Univerrsity Blazers hit just enough shots to secure a 68-63 win over the Eagles. Despite the loss, the Eagles have qualified for the American Southwest Conference Championship Tournament under first-year head coach Kourtni Williams. The Eagles are the No. 3 seed out of the East Division and will play Hardin-Simmons University in Belton, Texas, February 21. The Eagles had a strong showing in the first quarter and even pulled out to a 17-10 lead. The Blazers returned the favor with a strong showing of their own in the second quarter, that was good enough to pull ahead, 30-29 at the half. The emotion of Senior Day took over, and seniors Hailey Ostrander, Savannah Kate Smith, and Diamond Goodwyn combined to account for 20 points at the break. Belhaven guards Aaliyaha Thornton and Brittany Ford sparked a late, third quarter charge, which gave the visitors a ten-point advantage heading into the final frame. Smith and Ostrander led a valiant comeback for the Eagles, but the lead proved to be too much to overcome, as the home squad fell by five points. Aaliyaha Thornton and Brittany Ford paced Belahaven with 16 points a piece. Smith paved the way for Ozarks with 22 points and four rebounds.
LEADERS
Scoring - Savannah Kate Smith (22)
Rebounding - Diamond Goodwyn, Kerigan Bradshaw (6)
Assists - Diamond Goodwyn, Hailey Ostrander (2)
KEY STATISTICS
Belhaven outscored the Eagles 21-12 in the third quarter. The advantage proved to be too large for the Eagles to overcome in the final quarter.
NOTABLES
Under first-year head coach Kourtni Williams, the Eagles qualified for the ASC Championship Tournament. The Eagles have secured the No. 3 seed in the East Division.
OZARKS STARTERS
Hailey Ostrander, Diamond Goodwyn, Savannah Kate Smith, Delanei Stephens, Makara Frazier
UP NEXT
The Eagles will head to the ASC Championship Tournament in Belton, Texas, February 21-23. The Eagles will take on Hardin-Simmons University February 21 at noon in the quarterfinals.
By Rhett Williamson, Student Assistant for Sports Information
