Tweet #theGAC  SHAWNEE, Okla. – The Ouachita Baptist University women's basketball team is headed to the Great American Conference Championship Tournament semifinals for just the second time in the history of the league following a 70-53 victory over cross-street rival Henderson State on Friday at FireLake Arena.

With the win, Ouachita (15-12) becomes just the second No. 6 seed to win a GAC tournament opening-round game. The Tigers also earn their first GAC tournament quarterfinal victory since 2012, which was the first year of the league. The win also breaks the tie for the season series between Ouachita and HSU (17-12) after each team defended their own respective home court during the regular season.

After a tightly-contested first half, the Tigers began pulling away in the third period, outscoring the Reddies 22-6 in the frame, highlighted by holding HSU scoreless for the final seven minutes. A three-pointer by Heidi Robinson at the buzzer capped a 12-0 run to end the third and give Ouachita its first double-digit lead of the game.

Ouachita maintained its comfortable lead in the fourth period by turning in its best shooting performance of the game. The Tigers connected on 5-of-8 field goal attempts and 12-of-13 foul shots in the fourth period leading to their convincing margin of victory. The Tigers held their largest lead of the game at 19 in the final minute.

The 53 points given up ties Ouachita's second-best defensive performance of the season. It was the seventh time overall this season that the Tigers have held their opponent to less than 60 points.

Individually, Ouachita was led by three double-digit scorers. Makayla Miller was 6-for-11 from the field and 9-for-11 at the foul line for a team-high 21 points. Grayson Fairless added 17 points, and tied for the game-high in rebounds with nine. Heidi Robinson chipped in with 12 points.

The Tigers are now set for a matchup with No. 2 seed Harding on Saturday in the GAC Tournament Semifinals. Tipoff is set for 2:15 p.m. Harding won both matchups against Ouachita during the regular season.