A stellar second-half shooting performance allowed nationally 23rd-ranked Arkansas Tech University to pull away for a 91-65 Great American Conference women’s basketball victory over Oklahoma Baptist University at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Saturday afternoon.
The Golden Suns (16-3 overall, 12-3 GAC) made 14 of their first 16 field goal tries to begin the second half, including 6-of-6 from 3-point range.
As a result, Arkansas Tech’s 38-36 halftime lead ballooned to 72-53 after three quarters and grew as large as 30 points down the stretch as the Golden Suns completed a season sweep of Oklahoma Baptist (6-15, 3-12).
“It started because we were playing better defense,” said Golden Suns head coach Dave Wilbers when asked about his team’s second-half shooting. “We were in better position, we were getting stops and as a result we were able to get our transition game going. These eight girls are really playing well together.”
Arkansas Tech, which held the Lady Bison to 6-of-21 shooting from the field after halftime, only dressed out eight players for a second consecutive game due to injuries.
Anissa Pounds and Kelsey McClure paced the Suns on Saturday with 18 points apiece. Pounds added seven rebounds and six assists.
Tech’s Kylie Ladd (13 points) and Taylor Ely (12 points) both set new season highs in scoring. Danielle Frachiseur added 12 points and six rebounds.
The Golden Suns finished with a 17-6 advantage in points off turnovers and a 28-14 margin in points in the paint.
Tasha Edge scored 17 points and Autumn Avina notched 16 points for the Lady Bison.
The Golden Suns will conclude a three-game homestand by hosting Southern Arkansas University for a 5:30 p.m. GAC contest at Tucker Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 9.
