Harding University overcame a 10-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter of Thursday night’s women’s basketball game to defeat Arkansas Tech University 75-71 in overtime at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville.
The Golden Suns (8-5 overall, 5-4 Great American Conference) led 58-48 with five minutes remaining in regulation, but the Lady Bisons (8-7, 5-4) closed the fourth quarter on a 15-5 run to force overtime.
Free throws made the difference during the extra period. Harding connected on 10-of-11 charity tosses in overtime, while Arkansas Tech did not attempt a free throw during the additional five minutes.
As result, Harding earned just its fifth win in 35 all-time away games against the Golden Suns.
“We made some bad passes,” said Dave Wilbers, ATU head coach. “We had some older girls throw the ball away, and we never defended them on the block. This one hurts.”
Cheyenne Brown scored a career-high 28 points for the Lady Bisons.
Ke’Vonshaye Stackhouse paced the Golden Suns with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Kaley Shipman notched 14 points, while Brenda da Silva had 13 points and nine rebounds.
Tech’s Jayana Sanders had 11 points and matched her career high with 11 assists.
Harding forced ATU into 18 turnovers and finished with an 18-8 edge in points off turnovers. The Lady Bisons were 25-of-29 (86 percent) at the free throw line, compared to 9-of-14 (64 percent) for Arkansas Tech.
The Golden Suns will host Henderson State University for a 1 p.m. GAC contest at Tucker Coliseum on Saturday, Jan. 18.
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.
