Suns Force 42 Turnovers in Runaway Victory

Points off turnovers carried Arkansas Tech University to a 92-45 non-conference women’s basketball win over Mississippi College at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Tuesday night.

The Golden Suns (4-0) forced the Lady Choctaws into 42 turnovers and out-scored Mississippi College 51-13 in points off turnovers.

With the win, Arkansas Tech secured its fourth 4-0 start in the last five years. Unlike those previous years, a full-court press is the Golden Suns’ best weapon.

“It’s like everything else…developing our press is a process,” said Dave Wilbers, Tech head coach. “We are getting used to each other and learning our rotations. We’ve been working on it and watching a lot of film. I knew when we looked at this group of newcomers that we were going to have a lot of speed.”

ATU took control with an 11-0 spurt that began late in the first quarter and carried over to early in the second period. When it was over, the Golden Suns led 21-11 with 9:01 left until halftime.

Arkansas Tech went on to lead 42-22 at the intermission and 61-32 after three quarters.

Jacie Higgins led the Suns in scoring with 18 points. Jayana Sanders was next with 16 points. Ke’Vonshaye Stackhouse added 14 points, while Taylor Ely finished with 12 points. Kylie Ladd made nine steals for Tech.

Ieisha Lacey scored 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds for Mississippi College (2-1).

The Golden Suns will host Southwestern Oklahoma State University for a 5:30 p.m. Great American Conference game at Tucker Coliseum on Thursday, Nov. 30.