Minute by minute, Arkansas Tech University’s full-court defensive pressure slowly wore down the Ouachita Baptist University Lady Tigers on Saturday afternoon.
The Golden Suns forced OBU into 12 second-half turnovers and pulled away for an 84-67 Great American Conference win at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville.
After being held scoreless in the category during the first half, Arkansas Tech scored 15 points off turnovers in the second half on its way to a ninth consecutive win over the Lady Tigers.
“It was one of our best of the year,” said Dave Wilbers, ATU head coach, when asked about his team’s second-half defensive effort. “Ouachita is a talented team with a lot of scorers, but they were taking contested shots today because our defense was right with them. We’re in game shape.”
The Golden Suns (13-2 overall, 9-2 GAC) led 34-33 at halftime and 57-50 after three quarters. Tech was 10-of-13 (77 percent) from the field during the fourth quarter and out-scored the Lady Tigers 20-6 over the first 5:41 of the period to open up an insurmountable 77-56 advantage.
Lyrik Williams led Tech with 20 points. She was 9-of-13 from the field. Ke’Vonshaye Stackhouse added 15 points, while Kylie Ladd notched 14 points. Tech earned its ninth win in its last 10 games.
Chasidee Owens had a team-high 12 points for Ouachita Baptist (9-7, 5-5).
The Golden Suns will host Southeastern Oklahoma State University for a 5:30 p.m. GAC contest at Tucker Coliseum on Thursday, Jan. 25.
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.
