CLARKSVILLE, Ark. -- Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team remained undefeated with a 96-82 win over the University of the Ozarks in American Southwest Conference action on Saturday afternoon in Clarksville, Ark.

The Cowboys held the Eagles to 34.7 percent shooting and had a 52-51 advantage on the boards. The Cowboys had 22 assists on 32 made baskets and turned it over just nine times.

HSU scored the first seven points of the game, before Ozarks battled back to take a 10-9 lead and Duane Hopper hit a 3-pointer on the next possession and the Cowboys never trailed again. HSU led 48-46 at halftime.

In the second half, HSU used a 9-0 run to make it 59-50 and never led by less than five the rest of the way.

Derrick Jefferson became the all-time steals leader in HSU history with 199, surpassing Anthony Easley's old record.

Jefferson had a season-best 29 points and nine rebounds. He was 10-of-15 from the field and 9-of-12 at the free throw line. Justin Jones had a career-best 20 points and had 11 rebounds and four blocked shots. All five starters were in double figures. Christian O'Neal had 13, Nathaniel Jacks scored a career-best 12 and Cameron Barnes added 10 points.

Ted Beard IV led Ozarks with 19 points and 10 rebounds and Dylan Gray had 18 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Kelby Robinson had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

HSU is now 6-0 on the year and 3-0 in league play. Ozarks fell to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play. HSU ended its five-game road trip and we will return home to play Southwestern for the second time this season next Saturday after final exams this week.

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