GAME DETAILS
University of the Ozarks 64, UT Dallas 60
Records: University of the Ozarks (10-16), UT Dallas (21-6)
Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024
Richardson, Texas

THE BASICS
Richardson, Texas – The Eagles stunned UT Dallas on their home court with a 64-60 win in the quarter-finals of the American Southwest Conference Championship Tournament Tuesday night. UT Dallas came into the game with a 20-5 overall record, but now the Eagles advance to play Mary Hardin-Baylor Friday in Abilene, Texas. The Eagles stayed composed and focused throughout the game and stayed within striking distance late. The Eagles held a narrow 25-24 lead at halftime and then trailed 48-41 heading into the fourth quarter. The Comets had trouble slowing down the combination of Amanda Turpin and Naomi Smith in the fourth. Turpin scored six straight points and Smith added a bucket to pull the Eagles within 54-53 with 4:52 remaining. Another Smith layup made it 56-55 with three minutes left. But it was a Heaven Hayden layup that gave the Eagles a 57-56 advantage with 2:20 left. The Comets responded with a bucket on their next possession to regain a lead, but Hayden sank a pair of clutch free throws for a 59-58 lead. The Comets missed a shot on their next possession and sent Turpin to the free throw line where she sank both attempts. The Comets answered again but still trailed 61-60 with 26 seconds left. The Eagles took advantage of an easy layup on their ensuing possession from Abby Beene for a three-point advantage. The Comets then turned the ball over and Smith hit one of two free throws with seven ticks remaining. The Comets then missed their final attempt. The Eagles have proven to have a knack for pulling off big wins this season as they also upset nationally-ranked Mary Hardin-Baylor February 10. Prior to Tuesday, UT Dallas had won 27 straight against the Eagles. The win was extra sweet for Turpin as she scored her 1,000 career point. She now has 1,005 points.

COACH WATSON QUOTE
"I am so unbelievably proud of our team. We have had so much adversity this year and have stuck together. We never give up, and I couldn't ask for more. We are excited to keep the season going!" 

TOP EAGLES
Scoring – (17) Amanda Turpin, Naomi Smith
Rebounding – (12) Amanda Turpin
Assists – (5) Naomi Smith  

TURNING POINT
Amanda Turpin, Heaven Hayden, Naomi Smith and Abby Beene were clutch in the fourth quarter scoring key baskets when the Eagles needed it the most. 

TIP-INS
The win was especially sweet for Amanda Turpin. The senior surpassed 1,000 career points and now has 1,005. Ozarks wins for just the second time in ASC Tournament history, with the other in the 2002 semifinals. This is the first time a No. 6 seed has advanced to the semifinal round.

UP NEXT
The Eagles will take on Mary Hardin-Baylor in the semi-finals of the ASC Championship Tournament February 23 on the campus of Hardin-Simmons University.