Arkansas Tech closed the first half strong and started the second half even stronger to blow past the Southern Arkansas Lady Muleriders 95-71 in Gulf South Conference play at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Saturday.
The nationally fifth-ranked Golden Suns (18-2 overall, 7-1 GSC) placed four players in double figures in scoring as they won their 30th consecutive home game and pulled even with third-ranked Delta State atop the GSC West Division standings.
Arkansas Tech used a 20-7 run over the final 6:49 of the first half to claim a 47-40 advantage at halftime.
Southern Arkansas (3-15, 2-6) got back within five points early in the second half, but that was when Jenny Vining took over for Arkansas Tech. She hit three 3-pointers in rapid succession to spark a 14-0 run that gave the Suns a 63-44 lead with 14:16 left.
The senior All-American from Marshall went on to make five 3-pointers over a span of just 6:51. Her final trey of the night made it 71-50 at the 10:39 mark.
Arkansas Tech maintained at least a 19-point lead the rest of the way as the Golden Suns improved to 61-8 all-time against Southern Arkansas, including a 32-3 mark against the Lady Muleriders in Russellville.
Natalia Santos led Tech on Saturday with 21 points. She also grabbed nine rebounds. Vining finished with 18 points, while Shaquilah Davis scored a career-high 16 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished out a career-high six assists and made four steals.
Jessica Weatherford added 14 points and 10 rebounds for her fifth double-double of the season and the 11th of her career.
Goldie White notched 18 points and Cha’Kia Lee netted 17 points to lead Southern Arkansas.
The Golden Suns will conclude a three-game homestand by hosting Christian Brothers at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10.
Admission to Tucker Coliseum will be free with a valid Tech identification card. Tickets will be available at the door.
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