DALLAS, Texas – In a battle of two top 10 ranked teams, the No. 4 Dallas Christian College women's basketball team was edged by No. 7 Ozark Christian College on Friday afternoon at the Hoops Hysteria event. The Crusaders were outscored by five in each quarter of the first half to be down 10 at intermission. Despite a few runs in the second half, DCC was just unable to put anything together to overcome what would eventually be a 70-63 setback.
 
Amber Covington led the team with 17 points and was a rebound off from a double-double with nine. Taylor Brokenberry was also a board away from a double-double and followed with 15 points for the other double-digit scorer. Keiarra Rivers hauled down a team-high 11 rebounds, but struggled shooting 2-for-17 from the floor. Faith Salinas grabbed 10 boards for double figures in that column and only needed a pair of points for a double-double in that capacity. Mckayla Washington dished five of the team's 15 assists, which helped contribute with her joining several other DCC players with off shooting games.
 
DCC would go 29.1 percent from the floor and were plagued by a 2-for-22 result from three-point territory. The free throw line was not kind to either side, as DCC went 15-for-24 and Ozark Christian was 14-for-24.
 
The Ambassadors had an apparent size advantage as Kamryn Gentry gobbled up a game-high 26 rebounds. She notched a double-double with 11 points, but was 5-for-13 overall so could have had more. Darian Carr and Makenzie Purinton had 21 and 16, respectively, in points scored to lead the offense. Purinton nearly claimed a double-double as a reserve with nine rebounds.
 
Down five points early, the Crusaders answered with that many on a River Romine three-pointer and jumper by Covington. At 5:18, the forward out of Rogers, Arkansas, made the go-ahead field goal to make it 11-9 for the team's lone lead of the game. Ozark Christian got a few treys from Carr to stretch the biggest lead at the time for the guests to seven late in the first.
 
The Crusaders were down by double-digits most of the second quarter and would be behind as many as 14 with under two minutes before the break. Taylor Brokenberry recorded the final two DCC baskets to keep the game within reach at 10.
 
Out of the gate in the second half, the Crusaders scored the first six points to come within four. A trey by Emmy Colin stunted the run and the Ambassadors went back out to a lead by as many as 12. With 1:35 left in the third quarter, Rivers scored and Salinas countered a miss shot with a jumper. Brokenberry got her own steal to lead to a fast break layup and make it a 51-45 game. A costly turnover that was a pass picked by Purinton would end the quarter with an eight-point spread instead.
 
DCC was behind by as many as 13 in the game and two and a half minutes ticked off the clock in the final frame. Brokenberry continued her recent scoring success with two more field goals. A three-pointer, which was the only other one besides the early Romine one mentioned earlier, cut the gap to seven (67-60) with 2:23 remaining. After two missed opportunities by Ozark Christian, Courtney Locke was able to split the defense and make it a five-point game. The closest DCC came was four points, as Brown split at the free throw line with 26 seconds left. Ozark Christian scored three of the final four free throws to seal the NCCAA Southwest Regional victory.
 
For just the second time this season, DCC played a game without breaking 20 points in a single quarter and have dropped both games. The Crusaders are 10-3 on the season, but dropped the past two regional games to teams that were also in the top 10 power rankings.
 
Prior to the game, Head Coach Larry Tidwell gave a special presentation for WBAP 820-AM. Coach Tidwell recognized the groups greatness and what all they do for the country, DFW, Community Service, and represent greatness through Christ. Included in being recognized were: Steve Lamb (WBAP Sportscaster), Brian Estridge (WBAP Newstalk), Ann Harbuck, (Wife of Hal Jay), and Hal Jay (Newstalk Legend). DCC thanks you for your support of the DCC Crusaders.
 
Dallas Christian enjoys a well-deserved break and will not be back on the court until after Christmas. The DCC Christmas Classic is scheduled for December 29-31. Keep an eye on dccsports.com for the complete schedule.
 
"Dallas Christian educates and mentors students to be people of influence engaging in their calling to the work of Christ in the church and in the world."