Three Owls finished in double figures as William Woods erupted for 36 points in the second half to take down the Pirates in Saturday's AMC triumph at Anderson Arena.
William Woods University won its third in a row, improving to 11-9 overall and 8-4 in the American Midwest Conference. The Owls shot 40 percent (20-of-50) as a team, but were a dreadful 9 percent (1-of-11) from 3-point range.
Park University (5-12, 2-11) was able to take advantage early as the Pirates seized a 26-22 lead at the half. With its shooting difficulties, William Woods turned to its front court and defense in the second half.
The Owls used a 12-4 burst to move ahead 34-30 with 12 minutes, 47 seconds to play in the game. With the Pirates clearly under duress, William Woods expanded its lead to 43-33.
Park wouldn't be shaken so easily, though, as the Pirates generated a 13-4 run to pull within one with 4 minutes left. The Owls countered at the free-throw line as they made six of their last eight attempts to clinch the victory.
Senior guard DaShaun Stark - who made 6-of-11 shots - posted 17 points to guide three players in double figures for William Woods. Senior forward Brandon Vice came off the bench to chip in with 11 points and senior forward Darrien Dickey produced 10.
Vice also collected a game-high nine rebounds to power the Owls to a decisive 45-27 advantage on the boards.
Zach Rutland countered with 17 points to pace Park, which shot 35 percent (19-of-54) from the field. Ernet Myles added 11 points.
William Woods faces No. 17 Missouri Baptist University in an AMC matchup in St. Louis at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The Spartans edged the Owls 57-56 on Nov. 30 in Fulton.