Montrell Williams’ 3-pointer from the right wing with 1.3 seconds remaining gave Arkansas Tech University an 84-82 victory over Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Great American Conference men’s basketball at Bloomer Sullivan Arena in Durant, Okla., on Saturday afternoon.
The Wonder Boys (3-1 overall, 1-1 GAC) led by as many as 13 points, but Kevin Buckingham capped a late 9-2 run for the Savage Storm by making a layup with 7.7 seconds to go that gave Southeastern (1-3, 1-1) an 82-81 edge.
Freddy Lee took the ensuing inbound pass, dribbled up the right side of the floor and passed ahead to Williams. Arkansas Tech was 2-of-15 from 3-point range in the second half before Williams hoisted the final attempt of the day. When it was done, the Wonder Boys were 3-of-16 from beyond the arc after halftime.
“I thought we did a good job handling some adversity today,” said Chad Kline, ATU head coach. “Credit Southeastern. They scratched and clawed. I knew they wouldn’t give up.”
The Savage Storm got an attempt at a game-winning 3-pointer of its own, but Williams blocked Markell Henderson’s heave from mid-court to preserve Tech’s win.
R.J. Glasper scored 19 points and Alex Brown had 17 points for the Wonder Boys. Williams finished with 16 points, while Trevin Woods notched 11 points.
Buckingham poured in a game-high 24 points for the Savage Storm.
The Wonder Boys will host Northeastern State University for a 2 p.m. non-conference game at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Saturday, Nov. 25. Tickets ($5 adults/$3 students and senior citizens) will be available at the door. Those with a valid ATU identification card will be admitted free of charge.
