Clarksville, Ark.-The U of O women's basketball team never let go of the lead after Bryanna Moltz drilled her second straight three-pointer at the 17:33 mark of the first half en route to a 58-53 win over Hardin-Simmons University Saturday in American Southwest Conference play.

Fans can watch the entire game here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/56183220

Hardin-Simmons (2-5, 0-3 ASC) briefly held the lead in the opening minutes of the game, but the Lady Eagles (4-3, 1-2 ASC) took control behind a balanced scoring attack.

"I thought our defense in general was better today," said head coach Carl Ramsey. "And, I thought we did a better job of going to the boards. Early on we made some shots and we were able to cling to that lead."

In the first half alone, all five starters scored at least four points to help Ozarks to a 28-23 advantage at intermission. Moltz had eight points and seven rebounds by halftime. In the second half, the Lady Eagles were able to control the tempo and got a spark from freshman guard Madison Sherrer. Sherrer scored ten points in the second half on 5-of-7 shooting from the field. Sherrer hit three baskets within the first four minutes of the second half to push the Lady Eagles to a 36-26 lead.
    
"Madison plays hard and makes a lot of things happen," said Ramsey. "She brings intensity and is tenacious on defense. On one possession, she beat our team and their team down the floor for a layup."

Moltz drilled her third three-pointer with 10:25 remaining to increase Ozarks' lead to 44-35. Ashley Hipps also gave Ozarks a lift with nine points and eight rebounds in the second half. Her shot with 9:19 left gave Ozarks a 46-39 lead. Hipps had a solid all-around game with 13 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Moltz also finished with 13 points. Sherrer ended the game with a team-high 14 points.

Ozarks will travel to Marshall, Texas, to face East Texas Baptist University December 11.