Plainview, TX - College of the Ozarks relied on its top performers and strong late-game execution to secure an 82-78 road win over Wayland Baptist (Texas) on Thursday evening in Plainview. The Lady Cats led for most of the game but had to hold off a late surge from the Flying Queens. The game was sealed when Ashlen Garrett made a free throw with three seconds remaining to create the final four-point margin.

Keara Mattingley led the Lady Cats with a game-high 27 points on 9-of-18 shooting, adding five rebounds and four assists in 37 minutes. She consistently answered Wayland runs by attacking the basket, drawing fouls, and going 9-for-12 from the free-throw line. Garrett added 21 points and nine rebounds, hitting five 3-pointers that helped maintain momentum for College of the Ozarks.

The Lady Cats built their lead with steady first-half play. After Wayland briefly took a 15-14 lead late in the first quarter, Zoe Hinze made two free throws to give College of the Ozarks a 17-14 edge. Early in the second quarter, Abby McBride scored inside to extend the lead to 25-14, and Garrett followed with a 3-pointer to push the margin to 28-19.

College of the Ozarks continued to respond to every Wayland push in the second half. Garrett remained a threat from long range, hitting a third-quarter 3-pointer to extend the lead to 50-41 and another to give the Lady Cats a 56-52 advantage during a Wayland comeback attempt. College of the Ozarks recorded 21 assists on 25 made field goals and shot 42.9 percent from 3-point range.

Wayland Baptist stayed competitive behind strong performances from its leaders. Cania Mitchell finished with 18 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, while Brooklyn Birkenfeld added 17 points. With 25 seconds remaining, Jadyn Trusler hit a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 77-74, putting pressure on the Lady Cats to close the game at the free-throw line.

The Lady Cats responded by making key free throws late, finishing 26-for-35 at the line. Logan Jones added 18 points, seven rebounds, and six assists while going 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Defensively, College of the Ozarks recorded five blocks and forced 15 turnovers.

Garrett’s final free throw with three seconds left secured the 82-78 win and capped a strong team performance. Mattingley, Garrett, and Jones led a balanced effort that showed the Lady Cats’ ability to execute and stay composed in a close road game. The Lady Cats will be back in action Saturday, on the road at Panhandle State University.