Arkansas Tech University remained undefeated against the University of Arkansas-Monticello in women’s basketball since 2009 by defeating the Cotton Blossoms 84-66 at Steelman Field House in Monticello on Thursday night.
Ke’Vonshaye Stackhouse notched a career-high 26 points and Kylie Ladd scored a career-high 22 points to lead the Golden Suns (12-2 overall, 8-2 GAC) to their eighth win in their last nine games.
Arkansas Tech built a 46-35 halftime lead on the strength of its 3-point shooting.
The Golden Suns made nine of their first 13 tries from beyond the arc. They led by as many as 18 points in the opening half before UA-Monticello closed the half on a 7-0 run.
Arkansas Tech reclaimed control for good early in the third period, assembling a 9-0 run that gave the Suns a 57-37 edge with 6:52 left in the quarter. Tech maintained at least a 17-point margin the rest of the way.
The Golden Suns finished with a season-high 15 made 3-pointers on 48 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
Arkansas Tech was credited with an assist on 28 of its 30 made field goals Thursday night.
“We had some outstanding passing here tonight,” said Dave Wilbers, ATU head coach. “There were times when we’d pass up a wide open shot to get an even better one. Our players are working hard, and they are getting rewarded.”
Jacie Higgins added 14 points and Jayana Sanders had 10 points for Tech.
Idalis Rubalcava netted 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds for UA-Monticello (5-9, 1-8).
The Golden Suns will host Ouachita Baptist University for a 1 p.m. GAC contest at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Saturday, Jan. 20. Tickets ($5 adults/$3 students and senior citizens) will be available at the door. Faculty, staff and students with their valid ATU identification card will be admitted free of charge.
