Chris Parker scored a season-high 26 points to lead Henderson State University past Arkansas Tech University 97-61 in Great American Conference men’s basketball at the Duke Wells Center in Arkadelphia on Saturday afternoon.
Parker was 8-of-16 from the field, including 4-of-9 from 3-point range, as the Reddies (5-1 overall, 2-0 GAC) defeated the Wonder Boys for a fifth consecutive time.
“We were bad in all phases of the game,” said Chad Kline, ATU head coach. “We couldn’t get stops, we couldn’t score and (Henderson State) was more physical than us. I don’t know the cause. I thought we had a good practice yesterday, and I didn’t expect us to come out flat. You never know. I never would have expected this. It was the perfect storm today.”
Henderson State built a 41-24 halftime lead by holding Arkansas Tech to nine made field goals and forcing the Wonder Boys into 13 turnovers during the opening 20 minutes.
The Reddies put the game out of reach by opening the second half on a 19-9 run that gave them a 60-33 advantage with 14:33 to play. Henderson State’s lead never dipped below 21 points after that.
ATU’s Dillon Gooding matched his season high with 22 points, while Devante Foster contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds.
The Wonder Boys (3-2, 1-1) will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 30, by hosting Baptist Bible College for a 2 p.m. non-conference contest at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville.
Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will provide live coverage.
