Alva Review-Courier -

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Ouachita Tigers Men's Basketball team used an all-around team effort to hold a lead over Henderson State for 39 minutes but could not capture the win.

Wesley Franklin led the Tigers with 14 points and seven rebounds. Kendarious Smith added 10 points while Mahlon Martin put in nine points and six rebounds.

In the first half the Tigers jumped out quickly out of the gate as Matthew Ward and Wesley Franklin hit back to back three pointers. The Tigers would create an 11-4 lead on a Kendarious Smith three at the 14:53 point. The Tigers would go on an 8-0 run to extend their lead to 13 capped off by second Matthew Ward three pointer. Ouachita would end the half on a 6-2 run as Eric Brown made two free throws with three seconds left to go into the break 36-24.

Out of the half the Tigers would allow the Reddies to go on a quick 4-0 run before scoring six straight. Ouachita would continue to build its lead going on a 7-0 run capped off by a Mahlon Martin three pointer to give the Tigers an 18 point lead. A minute and a half later the Tigers would capture their largest lead of the game at 53-34 with a Grant Jones layup. The Tigers would not score for the next five minutes but would maintain a double digit lead. The Reddies would tie it at 58 before Morris Talbert would score five straight points on his own including a traditional three point play. The Tigers would give up the lead for the first time with 23 seconds left and would fall 68-65.

Quick Facts

The Tigers had a better field goal (41.4%) and free throw (91.7%) percentages than the Reddies.

The Tigers forced 11 turnovers and score 16 points off of them.

Even with having better percentages that Henderson State the field goal and three point percentages for the Tigers were bottom five of games this season.

The Tigers only fouled 17 times, which is the third lowest of the season, however the Reddies shot 25 free throws.

The 10 turnovers were the lowest for Ouachita in any game this year, and the 8 assists were the lowest of any game this year for the Tigers.

Wesley Franklin tied his season high in points with 14.

The Tigers will be back at Bill Vining to face Southern Arkansas on Saturday February 16 at 3:00 PM. Come out and support your Tiger basketball teams!