ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Oklahoma Baptist men's basketball team staggered its opponent with a big punch early, but it was Ouachita Baptist that delivered the knockout blow with a 77-71 victory Thursday night in Arkadelphia.
The loss was OBU's first in five games and dropped the Bison from the top spot in the Great American Conference standings. OBU is now 11-8 on the year and 10-3 in league play tied for second with Southern Arkansas.
OBU controlled much of the first half taking a six-point lead into the break. Ouachita then asserted themselves from the outset of the second half. The Bison opened with a three-pointer only to see Ouachita roll to 18 consecutive points on its way to opening a double-digit lead.
Harrison Stoddart, who led OBU with 21 points, brought the Bison back tying the score at 53-53 after consecutive three-pointers with 10 minutes to play.
Ouachita made the important plays down the stretch keyed by their star point guard Mahlon Martin who finished with a game-high 30 points for the Tigers.
Stoddard was joined in double figures by three other Bison teammates. They were
Mohammed Abubakar with 13 and
Antonio Wade and
Julian Daughtry each added 10.
OBU will remain in Arkadelphia playing Saturday against Henderson State. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. The Bison will next be at home Saturday, Feb. 9 against Southwestern Oklahoma.
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