Arkansas Tech University’s Calli White scored 16 of her career-high 22 points in the third quarter on Thursday night to propel the nationally 21st-ranked Golden Suns to a 91-69 win over the Southwestern Oklahoma State Lady Bulldogs at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville.
White was 6-of-12 from 3-point range. She also had five rebounds, a career-high seven assists and a career-high four steals.
“Calli is such a tremendous shooter,” said Arkansas Tech head coach Dave Wilbers. “She is out here all the time getting in extra shots. Credit the other girls…they knew (White) was hot, and they got her the ball.”
White’s big third quarter helped the Golden Suns (14-2 overall, 12-0 Great American Conference) break open what was just a 38-35 Arkansas Tech lead at halftime.
The Golden Suns led 70-57 after three quarters and by as many as 28 points in the fourth period.
“There was no panic in the locker room at halftime,” said Wilbers. “We have experienced players. They knew we just needed to make a few adjustments.”
It was Arkansas Tech’s eighth consecutive win. The Golden Suns have won 16 straight home games, and they improved to 9-1 all-time in home games against the Lady Bulldogs.
Southwestern Oklahoma State (11-7, 7-5) lost for just the second time in its last 12 games.
Fatima Adams had 18 points and seven rebounds for Tech. Danielle Frachiseur contributed 14 points and a season-high nine rebounds, while Aujana Dawkins (13 points) and Anissa Pounds (10 points) rounded out a quintet of Golden Suns in double figures in scoring.
Janae Coffee paced SWOSU with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Arkansas Tech will host Northwestern Oklahoma State University for a 1 p.m. GAC contest at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Saturday, Jan. 30.
Tickets ($5 adults / $3 senior citizens and students) will be available at the door. Those with a valid Arkansas Tech identification card will be admitted free of charge. Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will have live coverage.