Nationally 20th-ranked Arkansas Tech University bounced back from its first loss of the season in a big way Thursday night, drubbing Oklahoma Baptist University 88-58 in Great American Conference play at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville.
The Golden Suns (5-1 overall, 3-0 GAC) used a 17-6 run late in the first quarter and early in the second quarter to open a 34-19 edge. Tech went on to lead 42-25 at halftime, 68-42 at the end of the third quarter and by as many as 33 points in the fourth quarter.
The victory came four days after Arkansas Tech dropped a 72-57 decision at Delta State University.
“The key was the beginning of the week,” said Golden Suns head coach Dave Wilbers. “We practiced the first day we got back, and everybody was here early and geared up to practice. That was good to see. Our press got us going tonight. We were able to force them into some turnovers and get some layups. (Bre Brooks) was really good in the middle of our press.”
Arkansas Tech finished with a 24-12 advantage in points off turnovers. Brooks recorded three of the Golden Suns’ nine steals.
Aujana Dawkins paced Tech in scoring with 18 points. Fatima Adams notched 16 points. They had seven rebounds apiece.
Brooks chipped in 14 points, while Anissa Pounds had 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The contest marked the first-ever GAC meeting between Arkansas Tech and Oklahoma Baptist. The Lady Bison (2-4, 1-2) are in their first season as members of NCAA Division II and the GAC.
It was also the 500th all-time game at Tucker Coliseum for the Golden Suns, who improved to 449-51 all-time under the dome.
The Golden Suns will host Southern Nazarene University for a 1 p.m. league game at Tucker Coliseum on Saturday, Dec. 5.
Fans donating a new and unwrapped toy at the door will be admitted free of charge.
Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will have live coverage.
