POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. – College of the Ozarks built a big halftime lead and answered every late push from Nelson University–Arizona in a 90–79 victory Saturday morning in Point Lookout.

The win also carried added significance, marking the final home game of the season for the Bobcats and the last time longtime head coach Steve Shepherd patrolled the sidelines at the Keeter Gymnasium as the program’s head coach. Shepherd, who has led the Bobcats for 26 seasons, was honored following the game for his decades of leadership, mentorship, and impact on the College of the Ozarks basketball program.

College of the Ozarks led 53–35 at the break behind a blistering first-half offensive performance, then relied on timely 3-point shooting and steady free-throw shooting down the stretch to hold off Nelson’s second-half rally. The Bobcats shot 53.1% from the field (34 of 64) and 35.7% from 3-point range (10 of 28), while Nelson finished at 42.3% (30 of 71) and 30.8% from deep (4 of 13).

Garrett Snyder powered the Bobcats with a game-high 29 points to go with four rebounds and three assists, setting the tone early with a 3-pointer that pushed College of the Ozarks to a 7–4 edge at the 17:10 mark of the first half. The Bobcats’ offense continued to click as Jay Baxter buried a 3 to make it 46–33, and DJ Quarles beat the halftime buzzer with a jumper that stretched the advantage to 53–35 heading into the locker room.

Nelson responded after halftime, outscoring College of the Ozarks 44–37 in the second half and trimming the margin to single digits in the closing minutes. Each time the visitors threatened, the Bobcats answered from the perimeter. Quarles, who finished with 15 points, five rebounds and three assists, knocked down a 3-pointer to extend the lead to 65–49 with 13:40 remaining, temporarily halting Nelson’s momentum.

Nelson continued to chip away behind standout guard Zoe Holman, who led the team with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists while converting nine free throws. Teammate Orlando Gonzales added 20 points and four rebounds, including a 3-pointer, as Nelson closed the gap to six at 74–68 with under four minutes to play.

Snyder delivered again in the decisive stretch, drilling a 3-pointer with 3:44 left to push the lead back to 77–68 and give the Bobcats needed breathing room. Moments later, Andrew Dalton connected from long range for an 80–73 cushion at the 2:06 mark, and he later sealed the outcome with two free throws in the final seconds to cap the scoring at 90–79.

Brady Reynolds provided additional balance for College of the Ozarks with 16 points, five rebounds and two assists as the Bobcats finished with 21 assists on 34 made field goals. The Bobcats also held a narrow 35–33 edge on the glass and limited their turnovers to 12, closing out the victory with efficient half-court execution.

The win provided a fitting sendoff for Shepherd at the K, celebrating a 24-year run that helped shape generations of Bobcat basketball players and left a lasting legacy within the College of the Ozarks athletic department.