The first installment of the basketball version of the Mercy St. Joseph's Battle of the Ravine was a one-sided affair as Ouachita Baptist University cruised past visiting Henderson State University, 89-57, on Monday evening at Vining Arena.
The Lady Reddies (11-5, 4-2 GAC) got on the board first on three-pointer by junior guard Sheay Longstaff, but Ouachita answered back with a three-pointer of their own by Domino Miller. The Lady Tigers (11-5, 4-2 GAC) would then take complete control of the game, scoring 11 more unanswered points to take a 14-3 lead into the first media timeout. The early run proved to be too much for the Lady Reddies to overcome.

HSU was able to pull to within nine points, 34-25, with 4:14 remaining in the half and looked poised to continue to fight back into the game, but OBU's Miller put the Lady Tigers back ahead by double figures on another three. OBU would hold a double-digit lead the remainder of the game.

In the first half, the Lady Reddies shot 35 percent from the floor (10-of-29). An active defensive effort from the Lady Tigers made it difficult for the Lady Reddies to work the ball in the paint and the Lady Reddies were forced to take numerous shots from the perimeter. The second half saw the Lady Reddies' shooting woes continue as they were only 8-of-30 from the floor (26 percent).

All nine Lady Reddies to play in the game scored. Krystal Beachum and Aungelique Sledge came off the bench to lead the team in scoring with 11 points each. Crystal Harrison followed with eight points. Destiny Smith led the team with 10 rebounds.

The Lady Reddies will be back in action when they play host to Southern Arkansas on Thursday, January 26th. Tip-off for the game is set for 5:30 p.m.