Arkansas Tech University will welcome an old friend back to Tucker Coliseum on Saturday, Jan. 16.
Julio Pacheco, who served as a graduate assistant and then full-time assistant women’s basketball coach at Arkansas Tech from 2007-14, will lead his Southern Arkansas University Lady Muleriders into Russellville for game one of a Great American Conference doubleheader against Arkansas Tech.
Pacheco is in his first season as the head women’s basketball coach at SAU.
Game two will find Arkansas Tech’s men seeking their 10th victory of the season.
Tickets for Saturday’s games ($5 adults, $3 students and senior citizens) will be available at the door. Those with a valid Arkansas Tech identification card will be admitted free of charge.
#22 Arkansas Tech Golden Suns (9-2, 7-0 GAC) vs. SAU Lady Muleriders (9-2, 5-2 GAC)
When: Saturday, Jan. 16, 1 p.m.
Where: Tucker Coliseum, Russellville
Radio/Internet: KCJC 102.3 FM/www.arkansastechsports.com
Series: Tech leads 69-9
About the Golden Suns: Dave Wilbers earned his 200th win as Arkansas Tech head women’s basketball coach with a 69-48 victory at Ouachita Baptist University on Thursday. The Golden Suns have won three consecutive games overall, and they own a 12-game winning streak at Tucker Coliseum. Arkansas Tech has won its last 10 home games against Southern Arkansas, and the Suns are 36-3 all-time when hosting the Lady Muleriders.
About the Lady Muleriders: Freshman guard Jaida Harden scored a career-high 17 points to lead Southern Arkansas to a 78-70 win over Henderson State University on Thursday night. With the victory, SAU moved into a tie for third place in the GAC standings. The Lady Muleriders have not defeated Arkansas Tech at Tucker Coliseum since earning a 75-65 win on Jan. 6, 2005.
Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys (9-4, 4-3 GAC) vs. SAU Muleriders (7-6, 4-3 GAC)
When: Saturday, Jan. 16, 3 p.m.
Where: Tucker Coliseum, Russellville
Radio/Internet: KCJC 102.3 FM/www.arkansastechsports.com
Series: Tech leads 100-68
About the Wonder Boys: Arkansas Tech will try to stop a two-game losing streak. The Wonder Boys suffered a 94-80 setback at Ouachita Baptist University on Thursday. Tech, which entered the week in the top 10 of NCAA Division II in rebound margin, was out-rebounded 34-22 at OBU. Junior guards Marquis Yates (17.2 points per game) and Tyler Corley (11.3 points per game) along with senior guard Andrew Guillory (10.3 points per game) are the Wonder Boys’ leading scorers. Tech has won its last eight home games against Southern Arkansas.
About the Muleriders: Southern Arkansas extended its winning streak to three consecutive games with a 79-71 victory over Henderson State University on Thursday. Senior guard Jaron Davis (16.2 points per game) is the Muleriders’ leading scorer. SAU will seek its first men’s basketball win at Arkansas Tech since Jan. 13, 2007, when it defeated the Wonder Boys 68-63. The Muleriders are 1-11 in their last 12 road games against Arkansas Tech.
