Arkansas Tech University shook off some post-final examinations rust to defeat Hendrix College 93-68 in non-conference men’s basketball at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Wednesday night.
Playing for the first time in 11 days, the Wonder Boys (7-1) pulled away in the final 10 minutes to win their first meeting with former Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference foe Hendrix College in 25 years.
“Our defensive effort in the first half was not good enough,” said Chad Kline, ATU head coach. “We’ve been off because of finals and only had about three practices to get ready for this one, but that’s an excuse. Hendrix came ready to play. I’m happy to get through this one injury free and get our legs back under us.”
Kam Brasfield scored 19 first-half points to help Hendrix hold the lead for much of the first half. The Warriors led by as many as nine points in the opening half and 36-31 with 5:14 left before halftime.
That was when Arkansas Tech went on a 15-1 run to take the lead for good at 46-37 with 52 seconds remaining in the first half.
Hendrix scored the final four points of the half to pull within 46-41 at the intermission, and the Warriors did not go quietly in the second half. Tech’s advantage was only 62-53 with 11:56 left, but another Wonder Boys’ run sealed the deal.
Tech out-scored Hendrix 19-3 over a span of five minutes to claim an insurmountable 81-56 edge with 6:25 left.
Harris Brown scored a season-high 20 points for the Wonder Boys. He was 8-of-12 from the field.
R.J Glasper added 17 points, Mason Cline notched 14 points and Montrell Williams had 11 points for ATU.
Brasfield finished with a season-high 23 points for the Warriors.
The Wonder Boys will visit Northeastern State University for a 6 p.m. non-conference game in Tahlequah, Okla., on Tuesday, Dec. 19. Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will provide live coverage.
