Golden Suns Top Lady Bison 96-87

Free throw shooting and rebounding carried Arkansas Tech University to a 96-87 victory over Oklahoma Baptist University in women’s basketball at the Noble Complex in Shawnee, Okla., on Thursday night.

The Golden Suns (8-1 overall, 4-1 Great American Conference) made 27-of-30 free throws (90 percent), including 21-of-24 in the second half, and Arkansas Tech out-rebounded the Lady Bison 41-31.

Tech limited Oklahoma Baptist (6-5, 1-4) to four offensive rebounds.

“We talked about how important it would be to limit their second shots,” said Dave Wilbers, ATU head coach. “They are so talented offensively. We did a good job of making free throws at the end, and we remained steadfast.”

Tech’s Jayana Sanders matched her career high with 22 points. Lyrik Williams added 17 points and 13 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season.

“Lyrik is one of the toughest kids I’ve coached,” said Wilbers. “She keeps getting better and better before our eyes.”

Cheyenne North notched 15 points for Arkansas Tech, while Ke’Vonshaye Stackhouse and Kylie Ladd had 14 points apiece to close out a quintet of Golden Suns in double figures in scoring.

McKenzie Cooper led Oklahoma Baptist with a career-high 37 points.

The Golden Suns will travel on to Bethany, Okla., for a 1 p.m. GAC contest against Southern Nazarene University on Saturday, Jan. 6. Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will provide live coverage.