Sanders’ Big Day Lifts Golden Suns 80-45

Jayana Sanders scored a season-high 22 points on Saturday to lead Arkansas Tech University past Northwestern Oklahoma State University 80-45 in Great American Conference women’s basketball at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville.

A freshman from Pine Bluff, Sanders was 8-of-14 from the field, including 4-of-7 from 3-point range.

The Golden Suns (5-1 overall, 3-1 GAC) out-rebounded the Lady Rangers 53-37 and finished with a 31-12 edge in second-chance points.

Tech’s defense forced Northwestern Oklahoma State to miss 20 of its first 22 field goal tries. The Golden Suns took advantage by building a 23-6 lead after one quarter.

The Lady Rangers pulled within 39-24 at halftime, but ATU closed the third quarter on a 10-2 spurt to stretch its advantage to 57-32. The Suns maintained at least a 22-point margin the rest of the way.

Tech’s Ke’Vonshaye Stackhouse finished 12 points, while Taylor Ely notched 11 points and Lyrik Williams poured in 10 points. Kylie Ladd paced the Golden Suns in assists and steals with six of each.

Selena McDonald scored 10 points for Northwestern Oklahoma State (4-4, 2-2), which fell to 0-7 all-time in road women’s basketball games against Arkansas Tech.

The Golden Suns will be idle until Thursday, Dec. 14, when they will face Lane College for a 5:30 p.m. non-conference game in Jackson, Tenn. Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will provide live coverage.