Arkansas Tech University didn’t just maintain its lead in the Great American Conference women’s basketball standings on Monday night. The Golden Suns made a statement.
Nationally 22nd-ranked Arkansas Tech dominated second-place Harding University 80-52 at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville to push its lead in the GAC standings to two games.
It was the fifth consecutive win for the Golden Suns (11-2 overall, 9-0 GAC) and their 14th straight win at home.
“It started with attention to detail,” said Arkansas Tech head coach Dave Wilbers. “Our players did a great job with the scouting report. I was very impressed with our defense tonight.”
The Golden Suns limited Harding (9-4, 7-2) to 6-of-30 shooting (20 percent) from the field in the first half while building a 35-16 halftime lead.
Any Lady Bisons’ hopes for a comeback were erased in the third quarter by Tech’s Calli White. She made four 3-pointers in the period on her way to a season-high 18 points.
“We’ve been waiting for Calli to have a big night like that,” said Wilbers. “We see her do that every day in practice. Our entire team played at a high level.”
Tech’s Fatima Adams scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. It was her sixth double-double of the season and the 20th of her Arkansas Tech career.
Aujana Dawkins finished with 13 points and six rebounds for the Suns, while Bre Brooks notched a season-high eight assists.
Sydney Layrock had 19 points for the Lady Bisons, who saw their three-game winning streak come to an end.
The Golden Suns will face Henderson State University for a 5:30 p.m. GAC game at the Duke Wells Center in Arkadelphia on Thursday, Jan. 21. Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will have live coverage.
