Point Lookout, MO - It was a special afternoon at the K as College of the Ozarks honored seniors Seth Soden, Reece Johnson, and DJ Quarles, along with the 20-year anniversary of the 2006 National Championship team.

The Bobcats matched the moment, erupting in the second half to pull away from Southwestern Christian University for a 91-82 win Saturday at Keeter Gym.

Trailing 41-38 at halftime following a buzzer-beating layup by Southwestern’s Jordun Willard, College of the Ozarks flipped the script after the break. The Bobcats outscored the visitors 53-41 in the second half, riding a blistering shooting display and dominant frontcourt presence to seize control.

Andrew Dalton wasted little time setting the tone, drilling a 3-pointer just 54 seconds into the half to tie the game at 41-41. Moments later, Jay Baxter answered a Southwestern triple with one of his own to give the Bobcats a 46-45 edge. From there, College of the Ozarks steadily built separation behind timely perimeter shooting and improved work on the glass.

Dalton delivered a game-high 30 points on 9-of-18 shooting, burying seven 3-pointers and going 5-of-6 at the free-throw line in 38 minutes. Baxter was equally dominant, pouring in 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting while controlling the paint with 18 rebounds and six assists. The duo powered a Bobcats offense that shot 46.8% from the field (29-of-62) and 46.9% from beyond the arc (15-of-32).

Southwestern Christian countered behind a sensational effort from JaColby Williams, who finished with 36 points on 10-of-16 shooting and knocked down eight 3-pointers. His 3-pointer with 17:49 remaining briefly gave the Eagles a 45-41 lead, but the Bobcats responded by tightening their perimeter defense and finishing possessions. College of the Ozarks outrebounded Southwestern 38-32 and forced nine turnovers, limiting second-chance opportunities down the stretch.

The decisive push came midway through the half. With the Bobcats clinging to a slim advantage, Dalton connected on another 3-pointer at the 13:50 mark to stretch the lead to 55-50, sparking a sequence in which College of the Ozarks consistently answered every Southwestern surge. Though Williams and Michal Wooldridge, who added 12 points and 10 rebounds, kept the Eagles within striking distance, the Bobcats’ inside-out balance and composure proved too much.

Southwestern made one final run, highlighted by a Willard dunk that cut the deficit to 85-78 with 1:24 remaining. But College of the Ozarks calmly closed the door at the foul line, finishing 18-of-24 on free throws. In a fitting Senior Day moment, DJ Quarles stepped to the stripe and knocked down two free throws with 12 seconds left to extend the lead to 91-82 and seal the victory in front of an appreciative crowd of 300.

For the game, Southwestern Christian shot 42.2% (27-of-64) from the field and 46.2% (12-of-26) from 3-point range. Aiden Todd added 12 assists to pace the Eagles’ offense. However, the Bobcats held a slight edge across the stat sheet — from shooting efficiency to rebounding and bench points (12-10) — and used a dominant second-half surge to protect their home floor on a memorable afternoon at the K.