No. 4 Arkansas Tech shot 65 percent from the field in the first half and forced Arkansas-Monticello into 27 turnovers to roll past the Cotton Blossoms 89-46 in Gulf South Conference action at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Saturday.
The win, combined with nationally top-ranked Delta State’s 69-66 loss at Hardng, gives Arkansas Tech sole possession of first place in the GSC West Division women’s basketball standings.
The Golden Suns (14-1 overall, 3-0 GSC) used a 12-2 run to open a 21-10 lead with 11:46 left in the first half.
UAM (6-9, 2-1) got back to within six points of the lead, but Tech pulled away by outscoring the Cotton Blossoms 20-3 over the final 8:37 of the first half.
The Suns led 43-20 at halftime, and after they outscored UAM 16-5 over the first 6:49 of the second half the winner was positively identified.
Natalia Santos scored 15 of her game-high 19 points after halftime for Arkansas Tech. Jessica Weatherford had 12 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals for the Suns. Jenny Vining, Katie Horsman and Shaquilah Davis (photographed) notched 10 points apiece.
Davis also had five rebounds and four assists. Laura Beth Anderson added four points, five assists and three steals.
Alex Hart led UAM with 16 points. The Cotton Blossoms’ 27 turnovers were a new season high and twice their GSC-leading average of 13.5 turnovers per game.
The Golden Suns will host Southern Arkansas for a 5:30 p.m. GSC game at Tucker Coliseum on Thursday, Jan. 20.
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