LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Baptist College used a balanced offensive performance and a strong second-half effort to earn an 82-68 victory over Crowley's Ridge on Tuesday night at the Buffalo Event Center.
The Buffaloes improved to 2-1 on the season with the victory, outscoring Crowley's Ridge 44-37 in the second half after taking a 38-31 advantage into halftime.
Osiris Mahr led Arkansas Baptist with a game-high 26 points, shooting 9-of-16 from the field and knocking down three 3-pointers. He also added three assists and two steals.
Tray'von Thomas provided another major offensive contribution, finishing with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting while grabbing six rebounds. Edarious Williams added 11 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five blocked shots, delivering an impressive all-around performance on both ends of the floor.
Arkansas Baptist established control early, building a 19-10 advantage during the opening half. Crowley's Ridge managed to stay within striking distance, however, trimming the deficit to seven points by halftime.
The visitors made another push early in the second half, closing the gap to 40-38 following a three-pointer from David Brewer. Arkansas Baptist responded with a decisive offensive stretch, using baskets from Thomas and Mahr to rebuild its advantage.
Thomas helped spark the run with a pair of baskets inside and a 3-pointer, while Mahr added perimeter shooting and scoring opportunities around the basket. Arkansas Baptist eventually stretched its lead to 28 points at 74-46 with 8:32 remaining.
Crowley's Ridge made a late effort to get back into the contest, but the Buffaloes maintained control down the stretch to secure the 14-point victory.
Arkansas Baptist shot 43.9 percent from the field (29-of-66) and finished with nine 3-pointers. The Buffaloes also controlled the rebounding battle, 38-32, while recording 13 assists and eight steals.
Defensively, Williams' five blocked shots helped anchor an Arkansas Baptist effort that finished with eight blocks. The Buffaloes also converted 13 points off turnovers.
Jadon Johnson contributed eight points, while Tariq Pitts added seven points off the bench. Sherod Dent chipped in six points.
