Fast Start Helps Golden Suns Top Dragons

Sometimes a good start can make all the difference.

Arkansas Tech University jumped out to a sizable early lead and went on to an 81-57 non-conference women’s basketball victory over Lane College at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Sunday.

The Golden Suns (5-4) forced the Dragons to miss 11 of their first 12 field goal attempts. Consequently, Arkansas Tech led 15-2 after seven minutes, 21-10 after one quarter and 40-30 at halftime.

The margin reached 15 points on three occasions during the third quarter. Tech went to the fourth quarter with a 61-47 advantage and removed all doubt by holding Lane (4-9) without a made field goal for the first 5:06 of the final period.

Hannah Villines paced the Golden Suns with career highs of 23 points and 10 rebounds. She was 9-of-13 from the field and 4-of-6 at the free throw line.

Ke’Vonshaye Stackhouse added 16 points and Jacie Higgins notched 12 points for ATU.

Antrice McCoy had a team-high 19 points for the Dragons.

The Golden Suns will resume their 2018-19 basketball schedule on Sunday, Dec. 30, with a non-conference contest against the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Tip-off at Tucker Coliseum is scheduled for 2 p.m. Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will provide live coverage.