GAME DETAILS
University of the Ozarks 73, Hardin-Simmons University 70 
Records: University of the Ozarks (7-13, 2-9 ASC), Hardin-Simmons (16-4, 9-2 ASC)
Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024
Clarksville, Ark.

THE BASICS
Clarksville, Ark. – Tim Eldridge sank three free throws in the final seconds to help the Eagles pull off a 73-70 upset against Hardin-Simmons University on Thursday night. Hardin-Simmons was leading the conference in wins coming into the game. The Eagles led 69-64 with less than two minutes, but Hardin-Simmons fought back to even the contest 69-69 with around one minute to go. After the Eagles took a one point lead, Hardin-Simmons tied it, 70-70, with a free throw with 35 seconds remaining. The Cowboys missed the second free throw attempt and the Eagles snagged the rebound. After a timeout, Eldridge drove to the basket and was fouled and then proceeded to hit both free throws to put the Eagles in front 72-70 with six seconds left. The Cowboys fouled again on the next possession and Eldridge hit the first to make it 73-70. The second attempt missed, but it wouldn't matter as Hardin-Simmons couldn't get a final clean shot. Hardin-Simmons led 38-31 at halftime, but the Eagles outscored the Cowboys 42-32 in the second half. The Eagles slowly climbed back into the game in the second half. Justice Marmara converted a conventional three point play at the 13:54 mark to bring the Eagles within 46-45.  The Eagles went on a 12-2 run over a four-minute span to make it 64-53 with 5:41 left, highlighted by Josh Ukpe's three-pointer to cap the run. Hardin-Simmons battled back, but never took the lead after Ukpe's shot. Eldridge led the team with 22 points and Ukpe finished with 20 points. The Eagles hit 50 percent from the field in the game, including 53 percent from the three-point line. 

TOP EAGLES
Scoring – (22) Tim Eldridge 
Rebounding – (7) Jordan Jenkins 
Assists – (4) Tim Eldridge  

TURNING POINT
The Eagles went on 12-2 run in the second half to take a lead and Tim Eldridge hit three free throws with just seconds left to secure a win. 

TIP-INS
Tim Eldridge hit three clutch free throws with just seconds remaining to finish with 22 points. 

UP NEXT
The Eagles will host McMurry February 3.