CLARKSVILLE, AR- The University of St. Thomas men's basketball team hit the road to Clarksville, Arkansas, to take on conference opponent University of the Ozarks. The Celts controlled the tempo from start to finish and secured a confident 57–41 victory, extending their strong conference run to 10.

UST wasted no time setting the tone, opening the game with strong plays as Charles Gitonga utilized the glass for a rebound, converted into a layup to give the Celts the first points of the night. That early basket sparked a dominant stretch, as UST bolted ahead with balanced scoring and disciplined defense, building a 15-point advantage before the Eagles were able to get on the board. Reyce Allen fueled the momentum with continuous energy on both ends, knocking down a free throw, before jumping a passing lane for a steal that led to a fast-break dunk. He followed that sequence with another strong finish in the paint off an assist from Jaden Ross, helping push the Celts ahead 20–8. Ozarks attempted to respond as the half progressed, but UST remained composed. Nathan Kongolo capped the half with a transition into a three-pointer and a free throw, allowing St. Thomas to head into the break holding a 32–23 lead.

The Eagles opened the second half with intensity, cutting into opportunities to score and eventually tied the game at 35–35 with just under 13 minutes remaining. Following a media timeout, the Celts quickly regrouped and reestablished control. Jaden Ross jump-started the response with a jumper, while Angel Johnson attacked the paint for key finishes and free throws. UST's defense tightened as Charles Gitonga anchored the paint, pulling down rebounds and converting a short jumper to swing momentum back in the Celts' favor. With Corey Thompson adding a tough finish inside and Allen returning to the court, St. Thomas pushed ahead once more. Allen delivered seven crucial points down the stretch, while Thompson, Allen, and Kongolo calmly secured clutch free throws to close out the game. The Celts held Ozarks to just six points over the final five minutes, sealing the 57–41 road victory.

St. Thomas was led by Reyce Allen, who recorded 17 points, shooting 6-of-8 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. Corey Thompson added 13 points, also going 5-of-6 at the line, providing steady scoring in key moments. Nathan Kongolo finished with 10 points and five rebounds, while Charles Gitonga anchored the defense with six rebounds, four on the defensive end. Following Angel Johnson to round out the effort with five steals, applying consistent pressure on the court.

Up Next: 
As the Celts remain on the road this weekend for conference play, they head to their next matchup in Conway, AR. Be sure to tune in as UST looks to take on Hendrix College, Sunday, Jan. 18th @12 PM. Game details and updates will be available on ustcelts.com, and fans can follow the team on Instagram at @ustmbasketball.