GAME DETAILS
ASC Championship Tournament - Quarterfinals
University of the Ozarks 68, LeTourneau University 60
Records: University of the Ozarks (8-3), LeTourneau University (7-4)
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Clarksville, Ark. | Mabee Gymnasium

THE BASICS
The Eagles' momentum continued in the quarterfinals of the American Southwest Conference Championship Tournament as they handed LeTourneau University a 68-60 loss in front a large and boisterous crowd. The Eagles will now play Hardin-Simmons University on Sunday at home. In the first half, Bryson Johnson got into foul trouble and was unable to play major minutes, but it didn't as matter several players stepped up. Ray Fresh brough valuable minutes and Grayson Nixon and Darnel Renelique continued to provide a spark off the bench. Nix hit a pair of three-pointers in the first half and had 12 points, while Renelique scored five points and dished out four assists. The Eagles shot well in the first half hitting 52 percent from the field. In the second half, LeTourneau held the lead early before the Eagles established momentum. Zach Byrd hit a huge three-pointer at the 13:19 mark of the second half and the Eagles never lost the lead again. Johnson scored a bucket and then hit a three-pointer on the Eagles' next two possessions. LeTourneau hung tough the rest of the way, but the Eagles answered every threat. Zach Bobo ignited an already loud crowd with a monster jam with 19 seconds remaining. Johnson scored all 17 of his points in the second half to lead the way. Nix finished with 14 points. Byrd had 12 points. It is the program's first playoff win since the University joined NCAA III in 1996.

"It was definitely a team win," said head coach Travis Carruthers. "I think we got swept up in the emotion early on and we have to do a better job of that going forward. I told the guys in the huddle we can take a deep breath and play basketball. It was a really fun atmosphere and the crowd was a huge difference maker. I think any coach will tell you that they want their team to peak in the conference tournament. We have really hung our hat on the defensive end."

"I had no doubt about the team picking me up," said Johnson. "It is hard to get a win in the Eagles Nest. That might have been the biggest crowd I've seen since I've been here. They showed love to us."

 

Video Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLNAI_ZxZJI

SEMIFINALS: Sunday, March 14
Host: Highest remaining East Division Seed
Game 5: Louisiana College vs Mary Hardin-Baylor - 3:00 pm
Game 6: Ozarks vs Hardin-Simmons - 5:30 pm

CHAMPIONSHIP: Monday, March 15
Game 7: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6 – 6:00 pm

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

LEADERS
Scoring – Bryson Johnson (17)
Rebounding –  Ray Fresh, Darnel Renelique (5)
Assists – Darnel Renelique (5)

KEY STATISTICS
The Eagles held together after Bryson Johnson got into early foul trouble in the first half and still led 34-32 at halftime.

NOTABLES
It is the program's first playoff win since the University joined NCAA III in 1996.

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

UP NEXT
The Eagles will face Hardin-Simmons University in the semi-finals Sunday at 5:30 p.m.