Ozarks Edges 'Roo Men's Hoops

CLARKSVILLE, Ark. - The Austin College men's basketball team poured in 94 points on Saturday, but it wasn't quite enough as the 'Roos fell 96-94 at Ozarks. The 'Roos are now 0-2 to open the season.

Three Austin College players scored at least 20 points in the loss, with Tristan Dick leading the way with 23 while Jackson Rennie and Roman Strickland each had 22. Four players reached double-figures in total, as Jason Jones chipped in 10 points, while Chanston Goodman contributed nine points and six assists. The 'Roos shot 46.6% from the field and knocked down 10 three pointers, but the Eagles matched those 10 triples and managed to shoot at a clip of 50.7% in the game.

Ozarks led 52-49 at halftime, taking that lead in large part due to outscoring the 'Roos 13-3 at the free throw line in the first 20 minutes of action. The 'Roos led 94-91 with just over a minute remaining in the game after a bucket by Rennie, but Ozarks tied things up on a three by Grayson Nix with 49 seconds to play, and Kamren Roelke would score the game-winner with six seconds remaining.

Dick knocked down 7-of-17 shots and added five rebounds and three assists, while Rennie made 5-of-12 from long distance to get his 22 points. Strickland added 11 rebounds, six assists, and three steals coming off the bench for Austin College. Nix led Ozarks with 37 points, knocking down 14-of-22 shots from the floor and 4-of-10 from deep.

Austin College and Ozarks will square off again on Tuesday, this time with the 'Roos hosting the Eagles in Hughey Gym at 3:00 p.m.