Lyrik Williams made 2-of-2 free throws with 0.4 seconds left to give Arkansas Tech University a 67-65 win over Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Great American Conference women’s basketball action at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Thursday night.
Back-to-back baskets by Southeastern Oklahoma State’s Taten Hyde tied the score at 65-65 with 25.8 seconds remaining.
Arkansas Tech got the basketball to Cheyenne North at the top of the key with time winding down. She missed a jumper in the lane, but Williams was there for the offensive rebound. Williams missed her first try, got another offensive rebound and was fouled with less than a second left.
The junior forward calmly drained both free throws to give the Golden Suns (14-2 overall, 10-2 GAC) their fifth consecutive win and their 10th victory in their last 11 games. Tech improved to 6-0 all-time in home women’s basketball games against the Savage Storm.
“We wanted to isolate Cheyenne around the free throw line,” said Dave Wilbers, ATU head coach, when asked about the final possession. “She got a good shot, and credit Lyrik. She got two offensive rebounds there and made two clutch free throws. It’s ironic, we talked about it yesterday in practice that we needed to win the last 10 seconds of quarters because we hadn’t been doing that. Tonight, we won the last 0.4 seconds.”
Jayana Sanders paced the Golden Suns with 19 points. Williams finished with 16 points, while North had 12 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots.
Kylie Ladd notched eight points, six assists and five steals for ATU, while Ke’Vonshaye Stackhouse contributed eight points and seven rebounds.
Alix Robinson scored a career-high 27 points for Southeastern Oklahoma State (8-9, 6-6).
The Golden Suns will host East Central University for a 1 p.m. GAC contest at Tucker Coliseum on Saturday, Jan. 27.
Tickets ($5 adults/$3 students and senior citizens) will be available at the door. Faculty, staff and students with their valid ATU identification card will be admitted free of charge.
