Clarksville, Ark.-Jace Richardson scored 16 points in the second half to fuel a 84-79 comeback win against Texas-Tyler Saturday in American Southwest Conference action.
Facing a 54-45 deficit with under 13 minutes to play, Richardson scored a basket to jumpstart Ozarks' offense. Ozarks (7-6, 1-5 ASC) would eventually climb within 72-68 after back-to-back three-pointers from Richardson. At the 3:51 mark, Richardson hit a pair of free throws to pull Ozarks within 74-70. Dylan Gray later scored seven straight points to put Ozarks ahead 78-66 with 1:55 remaining. Richardson all but sealed the game with a jump shot at the 1:22 mark and a free throw with 24 seconds left. Richardson wasn't alone though as Kelby Robinson poured in 15 second half points for the Eagles. Gray had 10 points in the second half.
Ozarks trailed 36-29 at the half after beginning the game on a 10-2 run. Texas-Tyler (8-7, 3-6 ASC) went on a 16-2 run in the first half to overcome Ozarks first half start. Josh Berard carried Ozarks in the first half with 13 points.
Richardson finished with 25 points and Berard had 22 points. Robinson ended with 18 points and Gray had 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Ozarks will travel to Mary Hardin-Baylor January 18, Louisiana College January 21 and East Texas Baptist University January 23.
