Point Lookout, MO - College of the Ozarks earned a 78–75 win over Central Christian College (Kan.) on Saturday afternoon at Keeter Gym, closing the game with key free throws from Garrett Snyder. Snyder broke a 75–75 tie with two free throws in the final seconds and added another at the buzzer to secure the win after a back-and-forth second half.

Snyder led the Bobcats with 27 points on 9-of-16 shooting and went 8-of-12 at the free-throw line. He also added six rebounds and two steals. College of the Ozarks trailed 42–41 at halftime after Central Christian finished the first half strong, but the Bobcats responded with improved defense and timely scoring to outscore the Tigers 37–33 after the break.

The first half saw early control by College of the Ozarks, which built a 30–18 lead midway through the period before Central Christian answered with a late run. A jumper in the final seconds gave the Tigers a one-point lead at the break.

The second half featured multiple lead changes. Central Christian briefly regained momentum behind strong shooting, taking a 73–69 lead with under four minutes remaining. College of the Ozarks stayed composed down the stretch, setting up Snyder’s late free throws to seal the win in front of a home crowd.

College of the Ozarks answered by locking in on defense and getting to the free-throw line. The Bobcats went 17-of-24 at the stripe compared to Central Christian’s 7-of-9, a difference that played a key role in the close outcome. While Central Christian held a 30-24 edge on the boards and shot a higher percentage from the field, College of the Ozarks made up for it by drawing fouls, committing just six turnovers, and knocking down seven 3-pointers to the Tigers’ six.

Snyder delivered in the final moments. With the score tied at 75, he attacked the basket, drew a foul, and hit two free throws with 12 seconds left to give the Bobcats a 77-75 lead. After a final defensive stop, Snyder returned to the line at the buzzer and made one of two free throws to seal the 78-75 win.

Central Christian stayed close throughout behind strong performances from the Whitten brothers. Chris Whitten scored 22 points, while Jaeden Whitten added 19. Andruw Rondon contributed 11 points and eight rebounds, and Cooper handed out six assists. In the end, College of the Ozarks’ ball control and late free throws proved to be the difference in a tightly played home victory.

The Bobcats will be back in action Monday night at The K against John Brown University, with the Lady Cats tipping off at 6:00 p.m. followed by the men’s game at 8:00 p.m.