Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s dynamic duo of Katie Webb and Kamryn Cantwell led the Savage Storm to an 85-58 Great American Conference basketball victory over Arkansas Tech University at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Thursday night.
Cantwell scored a career-high 28 points and Webb added 22 points to give the Savage Storm (7-2 overall, 4-1 GAC) just its second win in 11 all-time road games against the Golden Suns.
It was Arkansas Tech’s first game since learning that two starters — senior guard Hannah Villines and freshman guard Jalei Oglesby — will miss the remainder of the season due to knee injuries.
“We showed up here for practice on Monday, and it was different (without Villines and Oglesby),” said Dave Wilbers, ATU head coach. “We are starting over in a lot of ways. Credit Southeastern tonight. They came to play, and we just didn’t hook it up at the beginning. There is going to be a learning curve, but the great thing about basketball is we get a chance to bounce back on Saturday.”
Cantwell was 9-of-12 from the field and 8-of-8 at the free throw line. She also collected seven rebounds. Webb, a two-time All-GAC selection, was 10-of-19 from the field and posted her 23rd career game with 20 or more points.
Southeastern took control with a 16-0 run over a span of 4:15 midway through the second quarter. That spurt gave the Savage Storm a 42-18 lead with 3:25 remaining until the intermission. Southeastern went on to lead 53-24 at halftime and by as many as 42 points in the second half.
The Savage Storm finished with a 21-5 edge in points off turnovers and a 40-28 advantage in points in the paint.
Ryann Goodsell had 12 points and Brenda da Silva scored 11 for the Golden Suns (6-3, 3-2).
Arkansas Tech will host East Central University at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Tucker Coliseum. Tickets ($5 adults/$3 students and senior citizens) 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.
