CLARKSVILLE, Ark. — Hardin-Simmons built a big first-half lead and held on to beat the University of the Ozarks 113-86 in American Southwest Conference men's basketball action at the Mabee Gym in Clarksville on Thursday afternoon.

The Cowboys took a 57-43 halftime lead. Jim Walter had 15 first half points for the Cowboys. Walter hit back-to-back 3-pointers and Derrick Jefferson hit a jumper to give HSU a 16-11 after a 9-2 run. Charles Sams hit back-to-back 3-pointers gave HSU a 30-19 lead.  

HSU's biggest lead of the half came when Cameron Barnes hit a 3-pointer with 2:58 to play in the half to give HSU a 54-37 lead.

The Cowboys kept a double digit lead all through the second half and never let the Eagles closer than 13 points to pick up their first win of the season.

Sams led the Cowboys with a career-best 21 points. Derrick Jefferson had 20 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Eric Taylor had 19 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, Jim Walter had 18 points and Cameron Barnes added 13.

Andrew Cummings led Ozarks with 21 points. Ted Beard, Jordan Kaluanga and Josh Beard each had 13 for Ozarks.

HSU is now 1-4 on the year and 1-1 in ASC play. The Cowboys will play at Texas-Tyler on Saturday at 3 p.m. Ozarks fell to 3-3 on the year and 1-2 in league play.

--- www.hsuathletics.com ---