Arkansas Tech University will go for its longest men’s basketball winning streak in almost four years when it hosts the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma for a non-conference contest on Saturday, Jan. 2.
The Wonder Boys have won six consecutive games. A victory over the Drovers would give Arkansas Tech its longest men’s basketball winning streak since January and February of 2012, when it won nine consecutive contests.
Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys (7-2) vs. USAO Drovers (6-3)
When: Saturday, Jan. 2, 3 p.m.
Where: Tucker Coliseum, Russellville
Radio/Internet: KCJC 102.3 FM/www.arkansastechsports.com
Series: USAO leads 3-2
About the Wonder Boys: Rebounding has been the most important factor in Arkansas Tech’s success so far this season. The Wonder Boys rank eighth in NCAA Division II in rebound margin (+10.1 rebounds per game). They were especially dominant on the glass during a pair of victories in Florida before the holiday break, out-rebounding Nova Southeastern by 21 and Florida Tech by 20 during the Florida Tech Winter Classic Dec. 18-19. Junior guards Marquis Yates (15.2 points per game) and Thomas Alexander (10.1 points per game) are Arkansas Tech’s leading scorers.
About the Drovers: Science and Arts of Oklahoma is a member of NAIA and the Sooner Athletic Conference. The Drover nickname is a result of the cattle drives that were once commonplace in USAO’s location of Chickasha, Okla. Junior guard Taran Buie (23.6 points per game) ranks fifth in NAIA Division I in scoring. He has previously played at NCAA Division I members Penn State University and Hofstra University. USAO has won its last three men’s basketball meetings with Arkansas Tech. This will mark the first game between the two sides since Dec. 2, 1987. All five of the previous meetings between the Wonder Boys and the Drovers were decided by nine points or less.
