C of O vs Florida National University

Hialeah, FL - In a non-conference game on December 30, the College of the Ozarks Bobcats earned an 80–71 road win over Florida National in Hialeah, Florida. The Bobcats played strong from start to finish and improved their record to 5–7 on the season. The win highlighted solid teamwork and steady execution as the team continues to build momentum moving forward.

The Bobcats took control early with strong play in the opening period. Andrew Dalton got things started with a three-pointer, and Garrett Snyder followed with several key baskets to keep the momentum going. Snyder also set up Jay Baxter for a layup that helped extend the lead. By the end of the first period, the Bobcats were ahead 45–29, thanks to steady offense and solid defense. Quick baskets from Brady Reynolds and Dalton helped keep the lead going into halftime, as the Bobcats stayed in control and moved the ball well to find good shots.

In the second half, the Bobcats kept control of the game with strong defense and steady scoring. Brady Reynolds added key fast-break points to help grow the lead. The Bobcats lead grew to 65–45 and in they were building momentum for the final stretch. Florida National made a push, but the Bobcats stayed composed, using solid defense and timely baskets to hold on for an 80–71 win.

Garrett Snyder led all scorers with 24 points, while Andrew Dalton added 17. Brady Reynolds made an impact on both ends of the floor, and Jay Baxter contributed 10 rebounds along with strong defensive play. The team’s balanced effort and teamwork helped secure the victory and build momentum moving forward into their matchup against St. Thomas University on New Year's Eve.

C of O vs St. Thomas University 

Miami Gardens, FL - In a tight battle at the Fernandez Family Center, the College of the Ozarks Bobcats fell short against the St. Thomas University Bobcats in a non-conference game held on New Year's Eve. Despite a strong effort, C of O was unable to clinch the win, ending the matchup with a final score of 82-72 in favor of St. Thomas.

The game began with the College of the Ozarks securing an early lead through a layup by Jay Baxter, immediately setting a competitive tone. However, Donovan Mitchell from St. Thomas quickly countered with precision 3-point shooting, propelling his team to a significant lead. Despite a scoring surge where St. Thomas gained the advantage especially in the paint, the first halfended with St. Thomas leading by a significant margin of 44-33.

In the second half, players like Adrian Cruz and Kaleb Myers from St. Thomas continued to dominate, extending the lead, with Noah Tovar widening the gap further through several vital 3-pointers. Jay Baxter of College of the Ozarks made solid contributions with fast-break dunks, yet St. Thomas maintained their lead, ultimately securing an 82-72 victory over the College of the Ozarks Bobcats.

Notable players for C of O included Garrett Snyder leading with 15 points, followed by DJ Quarles with 13 points, and Andrew Dalton with 11 points. Jay Baxter not only led with 4 assists but also topped the rebound charts with 7. Additionally, Jaiden Wilson stood out with his defensive skills gathering 2 steals alongside Baxter. With the current season record at 5-8, the Bobcats look towards their next game hoping to improve, facing Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas on January 8.