GAME DETAILS
Hardin-Simmons University 65, University of the Ozarks 64
Records: University of the Ozarks (5-4, 1-1 ASC), Hardin-Simmons University (8-2, 4-0 ASC)
Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023
Abilene, Texas

THE BASICS
Abilene, Texas – Hardin-Simmons University edged the Eagles 65-64 in a back-and-forth conference battle Saturday in Abilene, Texas. The Eagles led 62-57 with six minutes remaining in the game, but Hardin-Simmons rallied to eventually tie the contest on a three-pointer with 4:12 left. The Eagles wouldn't score on its next possession and the Cowboys took advantage with an inside bucket to move ahead 64-62. A free throw from the Cowboys made it 65-62 with 1:35 left. Justice Marmara sank a free throw to make it a two-point game. Back-to-back missed shots by the Cowboys gave the Eagles some life. However, the Eagles were only able to convert one of two free throws with just seconds remaining. Marmara led the Eagles with 19 points.   

TOP EAGLES
Scoring – (19) Justice Marmara  
Rebounding – (8) Justice Marmara, Josh Ukpe  
Assists – (4) Josh Ukpe, Eric Gooden

TURNING POINT
Hardin-Simmons overcame a five point deficit late in the second half to escape with a win.

TIP-INS
Justice Marmara came off the bench to provide a spark scoring a team-high 19 points while also grabbing eight rebounds.

UP NEXT
The Eagles will take on McMurry University December 18.