GAME DETAILS
No. 23 University of Mary Hardin-Baylor 72, University of the Ozarks 61
Records: University of the Ozarks (3-9, 0-4 ASC), University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (12-1, 5-0 ASC)
Thursday, Jan. 4, 2023
Belton, Texas.

THE BASICS
Belton, Texas – The Eagles hung tough with nationally ranked Mary Hardin-Baylor only to fall in the end, 72-61, on Thursday night in Texas. The first quarter went back-and-forth as each team exchanged leads. The Crusaders would hold a narrow 17-15 advantage at the end of one, but then scored 19 points in the second quarter while holding the Eagles to nine. The game remained close throughout the second half. In the fourth quarter, Naomi Smith hit a jumper to make it 60-52 and put the Eagles in contention for an upset. The Eagles pulled within 68-61 on Heaven Hayden's three-pointer, but couldn't get any closer.  Smith had another monster game as she scored 17 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.

TOP EAGLES
Scoring – (17) Naomi Smith 
Rebounding – (13) Naomi Smith  
Assists – (3) Naomi Smith, Lili Garcia, Amanda Turpin  

TURNING POINT
The Eagles pulled within single digits on multiple occasions in the second half to put themselves in contention for a major upset, but the Crusaders responded each time. 

TIP-INS
Naomi Smith had another monster game as she scored 17 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Smith has been a force all season and Thursday's game gave her four double-doubles on the year.

UP NEXT
The Eagles will remain in Texas for a game against Concordia University Texas January 6.