Six Arkansas Tech University senior student-athletes will play their final basketball games at John E. Tucker Coliseum in Russellville this week.
One Golden Sun — Lyrik Williams of Crystal, Minn. — and five Wonder Boys — Will Adler of Andover, Kan., Alex Brown of Vernon Fla., Mason Cline of Springdale, Tobin Johnson of Van Buren and Freddy Lee of Clarksville — will be honored for their contributions to ATU basketball during a doubleheader against Southwestern Oklahoma State University at 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 2.
First up will be a twin bill against Northwestern Oklahoma State University on Thursday, Feb. 28.
Tickets ($5 adults/$3 students and senior citizens) will be available at the door. Those with a valid ATU identification card will be admitted free of charge.
ATU Golden Suns (12-14, 9-11 GAC) vs. NWOSU Lady Rangers (12-15, 9-11 GAC)
When: Thursday, Feb. 28, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Tucker Coliseum, Russellville
Radio/Internet: KCJC 102.3 FM/www.arkansastechsports.com
Series: ATU leads 14-1
About the Golden Suns: Arkansas Tech can assume sole possession of seventh place in the Great American Conference standings with a win over Northwestern Oklahoma State on Thursday. The Golden Suns have won six of their last nine games to clinch their 13th consecutive postseason appearance. Junior guard Hannah Villines (13.5 points per game) and sophomore guards Jacie Higgins (11.5 points per game) and Ke’Vonshaye Stackhouse (10.3 points per game) are Tech’s leading scorers.
About the Lady Rangers: A three-game winning streak has allowed Northwestern Oklahoma State’s women to earn their first GAC Tournament berth. The Lady Rangers clinched their first postseason bid since 2012 by defeating Henderson State University 74-54 on Saturday. Sophomore forward Bailey Brown (14.8 points per game) and junior guard Kalea King (14.4 points per game) lead Northwestern in scoring.
ATU Wonder Boys (10-16, 8-12 GAC) vs. NWOSU Rangers (7-19, 5-15 GAC)
When: Thursday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Tucker Coliseum, Russellville
Radio/Internet: KCJC 102.3 FM/www.arkansastechsports.com
Series: ATU leads 10-2
About the Wonder Boys: Arkansas Tech has made 350 3-pointers this season to establish new school and GAC records. The Wonder Boys are averaging 13.3 made 3-pointers per game, most this season among the 655 teams competing at the top two levels of NCAA basketball. Tech’s leading scorers are sophomore guard R.J. Glasper (18 points per game) and senior guards Will Adler (14.9 points per game) and Alex Brown (14.2 points per game). The Wonder Boys have been eliminated from contention for a postseason berth.
About the Rangers: Northwestern Oklahoma State will also miss the men’s basketball postseason in 2018-19. The Rangers are 3-7 since leading scorer Treyvon Andres (15.5 points per game) made his most recent appearance on Jan. 19. Sophomore guard Jack Peck (12.8 points per game) has become Northwestern’s top offensive weapon. He scored the first 13 points of the game in the first meeting this season between Tech and NWOSU on Jan. 26, but the Wonder Boys rallied for a 74-72 win on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Adler.
