R.J. Glasper scored a career-high 35 points to lead Arkansas Tech University to a 98-94 Great American Conference men’s basketball win over Harding University at Rhodes-Reaves Field House in Searcy on Monday night.
Glasper was 12-of-22 from the field, including 8-of-13 from 3-point range. He scored 28 points in the second half to help the Wonder Boys (11-4 overall, 5-4 GAC) hold off the Bisons, end a three-game losing streak at Rhodes-Reaves Field House and end an overall three-game losing streak.
“It makes coaching a lot easier when R.J. gets on a roll like that,” said Chad Kline, ATU head coach. “You just get him the ball and get out of the way. We knew it would come down to the end. I’m happy with the way our guys executed in late-game situations.”
Arkansas Tech scored the first seven points of the game and never relinquished the lead. The Wonder Boys’ margin was as large as 14 points during the opening half. They took a 39-32 advantage to the intermission.
Tech led 86-75 with 5:05 remaining, but Harding made a late push to pull within 96-94 with 10.5 seconds left.
Trevin Woods made 2-of-2 free throws with 9.1 seconds left to set the final score. The Bisons failed to score on their final possession.
Arkansas Tech made 10-of-13 free throws over the final 1:37. Josiah Thomas, who made his Wonder Boys’ debut on Monday night, was 7-of-9 at the free throw line during those final 97 seconds.
“When you put on that Tech uniform, you are expected to perform,” said Kline. “We were going to redshirt (Thomas), but we’ve had so many injuries we needed him. It’s great to have that kind of depth.”
Thomas finished with 14 points. Montrell Williams added 12 points and nine rebounds, while Alex Brown netted 10 points for the Wonder Boys.
Zac Ward scored a career-high 20 points for Harding (1-13, 1-8).
The Wonder Boys will remain on the road for a 7:30 p.m. GAC contest at the University of Arkansas-Monticello on Thursday, Jan. 18. Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will provide live coverage.
