Steelman Field House still technically belongs to the University of Arkansas-Monticello, but the rectangular area known as the paint was the property of Arkansas Tech University on Saturday afternoon.
The nationally 14th-ranked Golden Suns defeated the Cotton Blossoms 82-57 in Great American Conference women’s basketball action.
Tech out-scored UAM 44-16 in points in the paint and shot a season-high 55.9 percent from the field. The Suns finished with a 42-17 margin in rebounds.
“It was the difference from the very beginning,” said Arkansas Tech head coach Dave Wilbers when asked about the points in the paint advantage. “We did a good job getting the basketball inside, and it wasn’t just our post players. Our guards did a great job pulling up and hitting jump shots. Our energy level was one of our best of the season.”
The Golden Suns (13-2 overall, 9-2 GAC) wrapped up their 12th win in their last 13 games by halftime. Arkansas Tech shot 60 percent (18-of-3o) from the field and out-rebounded the Cotton Blossoms 22-9 over the first two quarters.
The Suns held a 45-21 advantage at halftime and went on to lead by as many as 34 points in the second half to remain undefeated against UA-Monticello (7-8, 4-7) since 2009.
Tech’s Danielle Frachiseur matched her season high with 14 points. Brianna Williams established a new personal best for 2016-17 with 13 points. Kelsey McClure notched 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists for the Suns, while Cheyenne North notched 12 points and Calli White added 10 points.
Ayesha Wahid and Taylor Collins scored 16 points apiece for the Cotton Blossoms.
The Golden Suns will embark upon a two-game road trip to the Sooner State next week. Arkansas Tech will face Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26, and Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28.
Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will have live coverage from both games.
