ASC

Eagles Advance To Tournament Semi-Finals

Clarksville, Ark.-The Eagles’ momentum continued in the quarterfinals of the American Southwest Conference Championship Tournament as they handed LeTourneau University a 68-60 loss in front a large and boisterous crowd. The Eagles will now play Hardin-Simmons University on Sunday at home. In the first half, Bryson Johnson got into foul trouble and was unable to play major minutes, but it didn’t as matter several players stepped up. Ray Fresh brough valuable minutes and Grayson Nixon and Darnel Renelique continued to provide a spark off the bench. Nix hit a pair of three-pointers in the first half and had 12 points, while Renelique scored five points and dished out four assists. The Eagles shot well in the first half hitting 52 percent from the field. In the second half, LeTourneau held the lead early before the Eagles established momentum. Zach Byrd hit a huge three-pointer at the 13:19 mark of the second half and the Eagles never lost the lead again. Johnson scored a bucket and then hit a three-pointer on the Eagles’ next two possessions. LeTourneau hung tough the rest of the way, but the Eagles answered every threat. Zach Bobo ignited an already loud crowd with a monster dunk with 19 seconds remaining. Johnson scored all 17 of his points in the second half to lead the way. Nix finished with 14 points. Byrd had 12 points. It is the program's first playoff win since the University joined NCAA III in 1996.