Jones, McBride Power College of the Ozarks Past Texas Wesleyan in 61–60 SAC Road Win

FORT WORTH, Texas — Logan Jones knocked down two pressure free throws in the final 30 seconds and College of the Ozarks got one last stop to edge Texas Wesleyan 61–60 in a SAC matchup Thursday night at the Sid Richardson Center.

The Bobcats led virtually wire to wire behind balanced scoring and dominant work on the glass, but still needed late composure at the line to secure the road victory. Jones’ free throws with 28 seconds remaining pushed College of the Ozarks ahead 61–58, and they held on after Texas Wesleyan’s Kameryn Phillips sliced the margin to one with a layup at the 17-second mark. The hosts had a final chance in the closing seconds, but the Bobcats’ defense forced an empty trip to close out the one-point win.

Jones turned in a standout performance, posting a 22-point, 12-rebound double-double that included eight offensive boards, three steals and a block while shooting 7-for-16 from the field and 3-for-6 from 3-point range. Abigail McBride provided a steady second scoring option with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists, going 4-for-7 from the floor and a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line in 37 minutes.

College of the Ozarks set the tone early, racing out to a 22–18 lead after the first quarter and stretching the margin behind timely perimeter shooting. Zoe Hinze drilled a 3-pointer in the opening period to make it 17–8, giving the Bobcats their first significant cushion. McBride later pushed the advantage into double digits with a second-quarter 3-pointer that made it 31–22, helping College of the Ozarks take a 38–32 edge into halftime.

The Bobcats continued to control the game in the third quarter, using another big shot from Jones to keep Texas Wesleyan at arm’s length. Her 3-pointer with 6:14 left in the period extended the lead to 47–35, and College of the Ozarks carried a 54–44 advantage into the fourth. Texas Wesleyan mounted a late surge, outscoring the Bobcats 16–7 in the final frame, but College of the Ozarks’ earlier runs and late-game free throws proved enough.

Statistically, the Bobcats overcame a cold shooting night from long range by dominating the boards and the foul line. College of the Ozarks finished 21-for-62 (33.9%) from the field and 6-for-25 (24.0%) from 3-point distance, but converted 13 of 14 free throws (92.9%). The Bobcats owned a 43–29 rebounding advantage, including 17 offensive rebounds, which helped offset 20 turnovers and Texas Wesleyan’s 37.7% shooting and 7-for-21 performance from beyond the arc.

Phillips led Texas Wesleyan with 19 points and eight rebounds, adding three steals while going 7-for-16 from the floor and 5-for-6 at the line. Peyton Foster added eight points, three rebounds and a pair of 3-pointers off the bench. However, the Rams could not match College of the Ozarks’ rebounding or late-game execution at the stripe, finishing 7-for-12 (58.3%) at the free-throw line.

With the narrow SAC road win, College of the Ozarks showed its ability to close out a tight contest behind interior toughness and clutch performances from Jones and McBride. The Bobcats will look to build on the momentum of the one-possession victory as conference play continues.