Stifling defense by Oklahoma Baptist University provided the Bison with a 75-61 Great American Conference men’s basketball victory over Arkansas Tech University Saturday afternoon at the Noble Complex in Shawnee, Okla.
Oklahoma Baptist (10-4 overall, 5-3 GAC) limited the Wonder Boys to 39 percent shooting from the floor, including 11-of-31 (36 percent) in the second half.
“You wouldn’t know it, but offensively we were actually getting good looks at the basket,” said Chad Kline, ATU head coach. “We battled for the most part, we just didn’t make shots. Guys we are used to hitting shots didn’t make them.”
A frantic pace created by Arkansas Tech’s full-court pressure yielded 24 turnovers in the opening half — 12 by each team. Oklahoma Baptist shot 52 percent from the floor during the opening 20 minutes and went to the locker room with a 36-30 edge.
The Bison put it away with a 7-0 spurt over a span of 1:48 late in the second half. When that run was over, Oklahoma Baptist led 67-51 with 2:15 to go. Its margin remained 12 points or greater the rest of the way.
Harrison Stoddart led the way with 16 points for the Bison. He was 6-of-8 from the field.
Tony Hall had a season-high 20 points for the Wonder Boys (8-6, 4-4).
Arkansas Tech committed 29 fouls, compared to 15 for Oklahoma Baptist. The Bison were 20-of-34 from the free throw line, while ATU was 6-of-10.
The Wonder Boys will begin a four-game homestand by hosting Harding University for a 7:30 p.m. GAC contest at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Thursday, Jan. 16.
Tickets ($5 adults/$3 senior citizens and students) will be available at the door. Those with a valid ATU identification card will be admitted free of charge.
Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will provide live coverage.
