A change in shot selection in the second half yielded a 65-52 Arkansas Tech victory over the Delta State Statesmen in Gulf South Conference action at Walter Sillers Coliseum in Cleveland, Miss., on Saturday.
The Wonder Boys (13-3 overall, 4-0 GSC) were 2-of-16 from 3-point range in the first half. As a result, they led by just two points (33-31) at the intermission.
Paced by Johnie Davis and Laithe Massey, Arkansas Tech began attacking the basket in the second half. The Wonder Boys attempted just seven 3-pointers after halftime.
Davis scored 20 points on 10-of-21 shooting — including 10-of-13 on 2-point tries — while Massey finished with 13 points. They both grabbed five rebounds.
Their drives to the basket helped Tech finish with a 44-12 advantage in points in the paint.
The Wonder Boys further dominated the post by earning a 46-31 rebounding edge.
Tech led 51-46 with 7:03 to go before back-to-back baskets by Davis and a Massey layup made it 57-46 with 5:43 left.
The Wonder Boys maintained at least an eight-point edge the rest of the way as they won their seventh consecutive game.
Delta State (8-10, 2-3) suffered its third straight loss. Phil Turner led the Statesmen with 11 points.
James Causey added 10 points and eight rebounds for Tech, while Jeremy Dunbar had nine points and nine rebounds.
The Wonder Boys will host Harding University on Thursday, Jan. 27, at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville. Tip-off for the GSC contest is set for 7:30 p.m.
Tech and Harding are tied for first place in the GSC West Division.
Tickets will be available at the door. Those with a valid Tech identification card will be admitted free.
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