Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Katie Webb made two free throws with 2.7 seconds remaining to give the Savage Storm a 71-69 victory over Arkansas Tech University at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Saturday.
The Golden Suns (8-12 overall, 5-9 Great American Conference) led by eight points with 3:16 to play, but the Savage Storm (11-7, 9-5) closed the game on a 10-0 run to complete a regular season sweep of Arkansas Tech.
“Credit them…they made shots,” said Dave Wilbers, ATU head coach. “We didn’t execute there at the end.”
Hannah Villines scored a career-high 26 points for the Golden Suns, the final two of which gave Tech a 69-61 advantage with 3:16 to go.
Tracy Johnson answered with a 3-pointer and Webb made an 8-foot jumper in the lane to trim Southeastern’s deficit to 69-66 at the 2:36 mark.
The Savage Storm tied the score on a 3-point play by Johnson with 29.8 seconds left. Webb was fouled rebounding a missed field goal attempt by Arkansas Tech with 2.7 seconds left and made what turned out to be the difference-making free throws.
The Suns got a look at a 3-pointer to win at the buzzer, but it missed to the right.
Southeastern Oklahoma State finished with a 23-12 edge in points off turnovers and a 33-10 margin in bench points.
Webb finished with 20 points and Haiden Williams scored a career-high 18 points for the Savage Storm.
Jayana Sanders had 14 points, six rebounds and four assists for Arkansas Tech.
The Golden Suns will welcome Ouachita Baptist University to Tucker Coliseum for a 5:30 p.m. GAC contest on Thursday, Feb. 7.
Tickets ($5 adults/$3 students and senior citizens) will be available at the door. Free admission will be granted to those with a valid ATU identification card.
Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will provide live coverage.
