Not even the absence of the presumptive Great American Conference player of the year could stop nationally 14th-ranked Arkansas Tech University on Saturday.
The Golden Suns (21-3 overall, 19-1 GAC) used a fast start to run away from the University of Arkansas-Monticello Cotton Blossoms 106-67 at Steelman Fieldhouse in Monticello.
Arkansas Tech won despite playing without All-America forward Fatima Adams, who was with the team but unable to dress out due to illness.
“Fatima was sick with a high fever,” said Golden Suns head coach Dave Wilbers. “She could have played, but we wanted to hold her out. We shot the ball so well today. Our team is really focused on what we are doing right now, and they are doing a good job listening to the scouting report. There were times today we had two or three 3-point shooters on the floor, and they kept passing the ball until they found the open player. I also like the way we battled on the boards today.”
The Golden Suns scored the first six points of the game and made 11-of-14 first-quarter field goal tries to open a 28-12 lead after one period.
Arkansas Tech extended its edge to 45-24 at halftime. The Suns maintained a lead of at least 18 points throughout the second half on their way to a 16th consecutive win over the Cotton Blossoms.
Tech pulled away thanks in part to 12-of-14 3-point shooting after the intermission. The Golden Suns finished with a 42-23 rebounding advantage and matched their season high in points scored. They were 40-of-68 (59 percent) from the field overall.
Kelsey McClure established a new career high and Aujana Dawkins matched her career high with 18 points apiece for the Suns. Calli White scored all 17 of her points in the second half, Anissa Pounds notched 16 points and Danielle Frachiseur poured in 12 points.
Tech’s Bre Brooks added 10 points and six rebounds. She matched her career high with eight assists.
Jordan Goforth scored a game-high 28 points for UA-Monticello (11-13, 8-12), which suffered its fifth consecutive loss.
The GAC regular season champion Golden Suns will conclude the 2015-16 regular season with a two-game home stand. Tech will host Southeastern Oklahoma State University at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, and East Central University at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27.
Tickets will be available at the Tucker Coliseum ticket office. Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will have live coverage.
