Rebounding Lifts SNU Over Golden Suns

Southern Nazarene University snapped a 10-game women’s basketball losing streak against Arkansas Tech University with a 68-54 victory at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Thursday night.

The Crimson Storm (5-8 overall, 4-3 Great American Conference) led 23-8 after one quarter, 39-20 at halftime and 57-39 after three periods.

Rebounding was the difference in the game. Southern Nazarene out-rebounded Arkansas Tech 48-30 to earn its first win over the Golden Suns since Feb. 2, 2013.

“(SNU) was a lot more physical than us,” said Dave Wilbers, ATU head coach. “We’ve been talking about that the last three days and working on blocking out, but they just kept pushing us underneath the basket. They went after the basketball a lot harder than we did.”

The Crimson Storm collected its first win away from home this season and its first-ever road victory over the Golden Suns (5-8, 2-5), who suffered their fourth consecutive loss.

Adrienne Berry paced Southern Nazarene with 18 points. She was 4-of-8 from 3-point range. Alexus Jones added 14 points and eight rebounds for the Crimson Storm, while Abby Niehues contributed 12 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots.

Jacie Higgins and Kiara Moses netted 12 points each for Arkansas Tech.

The Golden Suns will host Oklahoma Baptist University for a 1 p.m. GAC game at Tucker Coliseum on Saturday, Jan. 12.