Arkansas Tech University rallied from a 16-point deficit to defeat Southwestern Oklahoma State University 82-78 in Great American Conference men’s basketball at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Thursday night.
The Wonder Boys (10-8 overall, 5-7 GAC) trailed 53-37 with 17:24 left in the second half. A 12-1 run got Arkansas Tech back in the game, and a pair of Andrew Guillory free throws with 4:16 remaining gave Tech the lead for good at 70-69.
Guillory and Mason Cline both made a 3-pointer down the stretch and the Wonder Boys made 6-of-8 free throws in the final minute to hold on, snapping their six-game losing streak.
“These guys have bought in,” said Arkansas Tech head coach Chad Kline. “I know it’s only one win, but this stretch without one has seemed like it lasted forever. Even when we were down 14 at halftime, I didn’t sense any panic or fear. These last three days in practice…we got after it. These guys were tired of losing, just like I was. I couldn’t be more proud of a group of guys.”
Tyler Corley paced the Wonder Boys with 21 points. He also dished out five assists.
Guillory notched 17 points, while Cline made 5-of-6 3-pointers and finished with a career-high 16 points. Cline had scored 13 points all season before Thursday night.
Freddy Lee added 13 points and five assists for the Wonder Boys.
Martell Collins scored a game-high 22 points for Southwestern Oklahoma State (11-7, 7-5).
The Wonder Boys will host Northwestern Oklahoma State University on Saturday, Jan. 30. Tip-off at Tucker Coliseum is set for 3 p.m.
Tickets ($5 adults / $3 senior citizens and students) will be available at the door. Those with a valid Arkansas Tech identification card will be admitted free of charge. Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will have live coverage.
