Tech Visits UAM in GAC Action Thursday

Arkansas Tech Golden Suns (8-5, 5-2 GAC) at UAM Cotton Blossoms (2-10, 0-7 GAC) When: Thursday, Jan. 17, 5:30 p.m. Where: Steelman Fieldhouse, Monticello Radio/Internet: KWKK 100.9 FM/athletics.atu.edu About the Golden Suns: Arkansas Tech is tied for third place in the Great American Conference standings, one-and-a-half games behind front-running East Central University. The Golden Suns have a chance tonight to start a new trend on the road. Tech’s women are 7-0 at home, but just 1-5 away from the friendly confines of Tucker Coliseum. Senior forward Jessica Weatherford (18.2 points per game) and senior guard Rosie Silva (13.5 points per game) both rank among the top 10 scorers in the GAC this season. About the Cotton Blossoms: Arkansas-Monticello has lost 10 consecutive games since opening the season with back-to-back victories. The Cotton Blossoms rank last in the GAC in field goal percentage defense (.427). Protecting the basketball is one of UAM’s strengths. The Blossoms have the fewest turnovers this season (15.3 per game) of any GAC member. Freshman forward Donlicia James (11.1 points per game) is the top scorer for UAM. Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys (8-5, 5-2 GAC) at UAM Boll Weevils (8-5, 3-4) When: Thursday, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. Where: Steelman Fieldhouse, Monticello Radio/Internet: KWKK 100.9 FM/athletics.atu.edu About the Wonder Boys: Arkansas Tech moved into a tie for first place in the Great American Conference standings with a 75-63 win over Henderson State on Saturday. The Wonder Boys are joined at the top of the league standings by Harding (12-3, 5-2) and Southwestern Oklahoma State (6-7, 5-2). Tech has won six of its last seven games. Senior guard Willie Kirkland is averaging 16.6 points per game over that seven-game span, including a career-high 26 points against Henderson State last Saturday. About the Boll Weevils: Arkansas-Monticello senior guard Kori Forge (21.2 points per game) leads the GAC and ranks 15th in NCAA Division II in scoring during the 2012-13 season. Forge ranks second in the conference and 10th in the nation in 3-point field goals made (3.3 per game). The Boll Weevils have won four of their last five games overall, and they are 6-1 at home this season. UAM leads the GAC and ranks 16th nationally in scoring defense (60.5 points allowed per game).]]>