3-Point Shooting Makes the Difference for ATU

Eighteen made 3-pointers propelled Arkansas Tech University to an 88-81 men’s basketball victory over Southwestern Oklahoma State University at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Thursday night.

The Wonder Boys (5-1 overall, 2-1 Great American Conference) made 12 of their final 20 tries from beyond the arc in the first half, a hot shooting streak that allowed them to turn an early 10-point deficit into a 48-34 Tech lead at halftime.

The Bulldogs (1-6, 0-3) cut the Wonder Boys’ advantage to a single point twice near the midpoint of the second half, but ATU never relinquished the lead. Back-to-back 3-pointers by R.J. Glasper gave the Wonder Boys an 81-70 lead with 2:07 remaining and they cruised to the finish line.

The 18 made 3-pointers were one shy of matching the ATU men’s basketball single-game record. The Wonder Boys hoisted 49 3-point attempts on Thursday night, shattering the previous program record of 40 attempted treys in a game.

“I was nervous because I knew they would play zone defense the entire game, and I thought a lot of our guys’ eyes would light up,” said Chad Kline, Tech head coach. “Forty-nine 3-point attempts in a game has got to be the most I’ve ever heard of. Give credit to Southwestern. They never went away. I’m always happy to get out with a win.”

Mason Cline scored a career-high 26 points for the Wonder Boys. He made 7-of-15 3-pointers and grabbed 10 rebounds. Harris Brown added 18 points, while Freddy Lee and Glasper had 16 points apiece. Lee dished out eight assists.

Devin Pugh notched 21 points for SWOSU.

The Wonder Boys will entertain Northwestern Oklahoma State University for a 3 p.m. GAC contest at Tucker Coliseum on Saturday, Dec. 2. Live coverage will be available on KWKK 100.9 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com.