A 14-0 run midway through the second half allowed Arkansas Tech University to pull away for a 96-87 Great American Conference men’s basketball victory over Harding University Thursday night at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville.
The Wonder Boys (9-6 overall, 5-4 GAC) led by as many as 23 points in the first half. Harding responded with a 13-2 run to close the opening 20 minutes, cutting Arkansas Tech’s advantage to 47-40 at halftime.
The margin was down to six points before the Wonder Boys embarked upon their decisive run. Tony Hall sparked it with a 3-pointer at the 8:25 mark and Ke’Lyn Adams capped it with a trey at the 5:35 mark.
When the 14-0 spurt was complete, Arkansas Tech held an 87-67 lead and the outcome was never again in doubt.
“We came out ready to play tonight,” said Chad Kline, ATU head coach. “We had some urgency after losing two in a row, but then after the good start we let off the gas a little bit. You can’t do that against (Harding). There’s always a little extra juice in these games.”
R.J. Glasper paced the Wonder Boys with 25 points. Tony Hall matched his season high with 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Dillon Gooding added 13 points and Devante Foster contributed 12 points for ATU.
Romio Harvey poured in a season-high 37 points for the Bisons. He was 12-of-18 from the field and 9-of-11 at the free throw line. Emir Ahmedic notched a season-high 22 points and collected 14 rebounds for Harding (6-9, 1-8).
The Wonder Boys finished with a 22-5 edge in points off the bench and a 22-10 advantage in second-chance points. ATU was 16-of-35 (46 percent) from 3-point range.
It was the Wonder Boys’ sixth consecutive win against Harding, their longest winning streak against the Bisons since they took seven in a row from 1969-72.
Arkansas Tech will host Henderson State University for a 3 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.
