SHAWNEE – Oklahoma Baptist (11-15, 8-12 GAC) fought off Arkansas Monticello (11-14, 9-11 GAC) late to collect a 66-61 victory and break its five-game skid on Saturday afternoon inside the Noble Complex.
The Boll Weevils came within two points under the one-minute mark in the closing period, but Ricky Brown put in a layup and sank two free throws to guide OBU to the promised land.
Oklahoma Baptist shot just over 41.0 percent from the field and posted statistical advantages in rebounds (41-30) and points in the paint (30-24).
More importantly, the Bison held the GAC's highest scoring duo, Isaac Jackson and Zane Nelson, below their nightly average.
LEADERS
Daniel Ransom paced Oklahoma Baptist with 17 points, six rebounds, and two assists. Ransom recorded a team-high in free throw makes (5), and knocked down 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.
Brown and Trevin Wade scored 14 and 12 points, respectively. Brown compiled four boards while Wade dished out a game-high seven assists. Additionally, Wade charted two blocks and a steal.
Joshua Udoumoh nearly earned a double-double, pairing 10 points with nine rebounds, while Nathan Wilson grabbed 13 boards. It's the third-most rebounds Wilson has collected in a game this season.
FIRST HALF
UAM held an early lead until a Wade layup swung the game's momentum, putting OBU ahead 12-11 with 13 minutes remaining.
Oklahoma Baptist built its lead to 15 (33-18) down the stretch of the period, following a 21-7 run. Brown and Ransom accounted for eight and six points, respectively, during the span. Additionally, OBU netted five triples and shot 4-for-4 at the charity stripe.
A few baskets later, the Bison took an 11-point, 35-24 lead into intermission.
SECOND HALF
Oklahoma Baptist maintained its lead into the second stanza, staying ahead by double figures until the 13:22 mark, where UAM cut their deficit to nine, 48-39.
However, a basket from Efe Sekeroglu widened the margin back to 11 a few possessions later. It wasn't until Arkansas Monticello trimmed the lead to four with two minutes that they threatened the Bison.
After more than 30 seconds without a made shot, Jackson cut UAM's deficit to 62-60. But as mentioned, Brown carried Oklahoma Baptist to victory.
NEXT UP
OBU returns home next Thursday against Southeastern Oklahoma State for a senior night inside the Noble Complex. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
