Clarksville, Ark. – The University of the Ozarks Eagles secured a hard-fought 69-61 victory over the Millsaps College Majors on December 19 at Mabee Gymnasium, improving their record to 8-1 overall. Despite a strong performance from Millsaps' Caleb Kent, who tallied a game-high 24 points and nine rebounds, the Eagles' balanced attack and defensive resilience proved decisive.  

The Eagles took control early, building a 39-29 halftime lead thanks to strong shooting from Justice Marmara, who led the team with 17 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including two three-pointers. Eric Gooden added 10 points and a team-high eight rebounds, helping the Eagles dominate the glass with a 44-31 rebounding advantage.  

Millsaps (2-8) mounted a second-half push, with Dakota Gasca contributing 10 points and Drew Roth adding 11. However, the Eagles' defense capitalized on turnovers, converting 23 points off Millsaps' 19 giveaways. Key contributions from the Ozarks bench, which scored 29 points, underscored their depth.  

Jacques Njeanwobe anchored the Eagles' interior play, grabbing five rebounds and scoring seven points, while James Matthews and Amari Leflore chipped in nine and six points, respectively. Although the Eagles struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 18.2%, their ability to draw fouls and convert at the free-throw line (21-of-37) kept Millsaps at bay.  

The Majors made one final push, cutting the lead to single digits late in the second half, but clutch free throws from Marmara and Matthews sealed the victory.  

Key Stats:  
- Ozarks: Justice Marmara - 17 points, 3 rebounds; Eric Gooden - 10 points, 8 rebounds; Bench - 29 points.  
- Millsaps: Caleb Kent - 24 points, 9 rebounds; Dakota Gasca - 10 points, 5 assists.  
- Team Highlights: Ozarks - 44 rebounds, 23 points off turnovers; Millsaps - 43.1% FG shooting.  

Stay tuned as the Eagles prepare for their next matchup on December 30th at Hendrix.