GAME DETAILS
ASC Championship Tournament – Semi-Finals
University of the Ozarks 78, Hardin-Simmons University 75
Records: University of the Ozarks (9-3), Hardin-Simmons University (16-8)
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Clarksville, Ark. | Mabee Gymnasium

THE BASICS
In what could be among the top buzzer-beaters in all of NCAA basketball this season, senior guard Bryson Johnson nailed an off-balance 25-foot three-pointer as time expired to send the Eagles to a thrilling 78-75 win over Hardin-Simmons University and into the American Southwest Conference Championship game tomorrow night. The Eagles held a narrow 75-73 lead in the waning moments, but Steven Quinn drove to the basket for a shot to even the score with 3.7 seconds remaining. That was all Johnson needed as he drove to his right and launched a three in front of the student section. The Eagles will now play for the ASC title against Louisiana College tomorrow at 6:00 pm.

"I wanted my team to fight another day," said Johnson. "I had a clear mind. I told Zach to take the ball out and just went. I checked the clock to see how much time I had and I got it past half court and shot it."

"Bryson rises to the occasion and he has done it before and he certainly did it today," said head coach Travis Carruthers. "I didn't think we were as together as we needed to be in the first half. The guys talked about rallying around each other in the second half. At some point, we will enjoy this moment, but we have a quick turn-around." 

Johnson and Bobo Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovw1AES7L8I

Carruthers Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF9L70jBw7U&t=3s



CHAMPIONSHIP: Monday, March 15
Game 7: Ozarks vs. Louisiana College – 6:00 pm

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

LEADERS
Scoring – Zach Bobo (25)
Rebounding –  Tim Turpin, Zach Byrd (8)
Assists – Bryson Johnson (9)

KEY STATISTICS
Bryson Johnson buried a clutch three-pointer at the buzzer to send the Eagles into the finals.

NOTABLES
The Eagles will play for its first ASC championship in program history.

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

UP NEXT
The Eagles will face Louisiana College in the finals Monday at 6:00 p.m.