Henderson State University’s Kaylon Tappin scored a career-high 34 points and the Reddies topped Arkansas Tech University 83-75 in Great American Conference men’s basketball at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Saturday afternoon.
The score was tied 73-73 with under four minutes to go. The Reddies (13-12 overall, 8-11 GAC) made four of their final five field goal attempts from that point forward, while the Wonder Boys (15-10, 9-10) missed their final five tries from the floor.
“Too many bad shots and turnovers,” said Chad Kline, ATU head coach, when asked to assess the final four minutes. “And that led to bad defense. This was unacceptable. It’s the most disappointed I’ve been in our team all season.”
The Reddies were 13-of-25 (52 percent) from 3-point range. They became the Wonder Boys’ second consecutive opponent to shoot better than 50 percent from beyond the arc. Tech entered the week ranked No. 8 nationally in NCAA Division II in 3-point field goal percentage defense.
Tappin was 12-of-22 from the field, including 7-of-11 on 3-point tries. He also grabbed seven rebounds and dished out six assists.
Montrell Williams had a team-high 20 points for the Wonder Boys. R.J. Glasper added 17 points and seven assists, while Leonardo Edwards notched 10 points.
The Wonder Boys will welcome Harding University to Tucker Coliseum for a 7:30 p.m. GAC contest on Monday, Feb. 19.
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.
