Tech Makes First Visit to New SWOSU Arena

#25 Arkansas Tech Golden Suns (16-3, 11-2 GAC) at SWOSU Bulldogs (7-11, 4-8 GAC) When: Thursday, Feb. 5, 5:30 p.m. Where: Pioneer Cellular Events Center, Weatherford, Okla. Radio/Internet: KWKK 100.9 FM/www.arkansastechsports.com Series: Tech leads 16-8 About the Golden Suns: Arkansas Tech leads the GAC and ranks seventh in NCAA Division II in field goal percentage (.468). The Golden Suns also rank among the NCAA Division II national leaders in rebound margin (15th, +8.3 rebounds per game) and scoring offense (20th, 77.3 points per game). Seven Arkansas Tech players reached double figures in scoring when the Golden Suns defeated Southwestern Oklahoma State 97-52 at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Dec. 17. Sophomore guard Anissa Pounds led the way with 21 points. About the Bulldogs: With an overall record below the .500 mark, Southwestern Oklahoma State is in an unfamiliar position. The Lady Bulldogs won the Great American Conference Tournament championship last season and made their second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament. SWOSU averaged 21 wins per season over the last three years. Head coach Kelsi Musick’s team is 5-2 at home this season, and the Lady Bulldogs have won their last two games. Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys (9-12, 5-8 GAC) at SWOSU Bulldogs (11-8, 5-7 GAC) When: Thursday, Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m. Where: Pioneer Cellular Events Center, Weatherford, Okla. Radio/Internet: KWKK 100.9 FM/www.arkansastechsports.com Series: Tech leads 13-9 About the Wonder Boys: Big plays down the stretch by junior guard D.J. Jethroe and senior guard Jay Murphy lifted Arkansas Tech to a 69-65 victory over Southwestern Oklahoma State at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Dec. 17. The Wonder Boys grabbed a 67-65 lead with 30 seconds remaining when Jethroe knocked down a long 2-point jumper from the right wing. Jethroe collected a defensive rebound for Arkansas Tech and Murphy made 2-of-2 free throws to stake the Wonder Boys to a 69-65 edge with 11 seconds left. Arkansas Tech will try to end a two-game losing streak on Thursday. About the Bulldogs: Southwestern Oklahoma State stopped a two-game losing skid by defeating East Central University 78-66 on Saturday. The Bulldogs have struggled in league play at home, winning just one of their four GAC contests at the Pioneer Cellular Events Center this season. SWOSU leads the GAC in scoring defense (66.3 points allowed per game). Junior forward Martell Collins leads all GAC men’s basketball players in rebounds (9.4 per game).]]>