McClure’s Career Night Lifts Golden Suns

A shift in offensive strategy in the second quarter yielded an 83-66 Arkansas Tech University non-conference women’s basketball victory over Oklahoma Christian University at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Tuesday night.

Facing a 2-3 zone defense, the Golden Suns began routing their offense through guard Kelsey McClure at the high post. Soon after, Tech went on an 11-0 run over a span of 2:32 to open up a 35-24 lead.

The Suns (3-1) went on to lead 42-30 at halftime and by as many as 20 points in the second half.

McClure finished with a career-high 25 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field and an 8-of-8 night at the free throw line. She matched her career high in rebounds with eight. The senior from Muskogee, Okla., added four assists and two steals.

“Oklahoma Christian is so long and so tall, it’s tough to shoot over them,” said Arkansas Tech head coach Dave Wilbers. “You have to get into the interior of their zone, and Kelsey is very good at driving, finishing and kicking out to her teammates for open shots.”

Anissa Pounds finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals for the Golden Suns, who improved to 3-0 all-time against Oklahoma Christian.

Danielle Frachiseur added 14 points and D’Rae Tullock had 10 points for Arkansas Tech.

Addy Clift scored a game-high 27 points for the Lady Eagles (1-4). She came off the bench to make 9-of-13 field goal tries, including 5-of-8 shots from 3-point range.

The Golden Suns will face the University of Missouri-St. Louis for a 1 p.m. non-conference game in St. Louis on Saturday, Nov. 26. Radio station KWKK 100.9 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will have live coverage.