Arkansas Tech University played nationally 16th-ranked Southwestern Oklahoma State University close for a half on Thursday night at the Pioneer Cellular Event Center in Weatherford, Okla.
Then the Lady Bulldogs turned up the defensive pressure.
SWOSU pulled away for a 94-63 victory to extend its home winning streak to 27 consecutive games and its overall winning streak to 16 straight contests.
“(The Lady Bulldogs) wore us down with their full-court press,” said Dave Wilbers, ATU head coach. “Those were crucial turnovers early in the third quarter because they turned into easy baskets for them. It’s uncharacteristic of our team because we don’t turn it over that much. Foul trouble was a huge issue for us, too. I appreciate the effort of our team.”
Arkansas Tech made its first seven field goal attempts and led 18-14 after one quarter.
There were eight ties and seven lead changes during the opening half. Southwestern Oklahoma State claimed a 42-38 advantage at the intermission by outscoring the Golden Suns 11-4 over the final 2:21 of the second quarter.
The Lady Bulldogs (16-1 overall, 11-0 Great American Conference) carried that momentum over to the second half. They forced Arkansas Tech to commit four turnovers during the first two minutes of the third period and used an 8-1 spurt to extend their lead to 50-39 at the 7:45 mark of the quarter.
Southwestern Oklahoma State forced seven turnovers before the Golden Suns made their first field goal of the second half. As a result, the Lady Bulldogs owned a 68-53 edge going to the fourth quarter and maintained at least a 13-point lead the rest of the way.
Season-high scoring totals of 30 points by Hailey Tucker and 26 points by Hayden Priddy propelled SWOSU.
Jayana Sanders notched 18 points for Arkansas Tech (6-11, 3-8). Ryann Goodsell added 12 points and seven rebounds.
The Golden Suns will travel to Alva for a 1 p.m. GAC contest against Northwestern Oklahoma State University on Saturday, Jan. 26.
Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will provide live coverage.
