Chances are the following phrase (or at least the same idea in different words) appears in the Southwestern Oklahoma State scouting report for its men’s basketball game at Arkansas Tech on Thursday, Feb. 9.
“Don’t foul Johnie!”
The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys (15-4 overall, 7-2 GAC) will host the Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs (13-7, 4-6) for a 7:30 p.m. Great American Conference contest at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville.
Promotional ticket prices of $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens will be in effect. Tickets will be available at the door. Those with a valid Arkansas Tech identification card will be admitted free of charge.
Johnie Davis had a record-tying night for Arkansas Tech the first time it met Southwestern Oklahoma State this season. The senior guard from Canton, Ohio, made 22-of-23 free throws on his way to a career-high 35 points in the Wonder Boys’ 78-72 road win over the Bulldogs on Jan. 12.
Davis tied Larry LaFevers’ school record for free throws made and free throws attempted with his performance in Weatherford, Okla., last month. LaFevers set the records by going 22-of-23 from the line against the University of the Ozarks on Jan. 11, 1965.
With a 21.3 points per game average, Davis leads the GAC and ranks 12th in NCAA Division II in scoring. But recent weeks have seen the Wonder Boys achieve greater balance on the offensive end of the floor.
Junior guard Jared Williamson has averaged 16.8 points per game over Arkansas Tech’s last eight outings. Senior guard Matt Haney has reached double figures in scoring four consecutive games, and he has averaged 15 points per contest over that span.
“I like where our team is at right now and how we are playing,” said Wonder Boys head coach Doug Karleskint. “The increased balance has made us a better team all the way around. The guys enjoy it more and we’re a more dangerous team when we share the basketball like we have lately.”
That balance has helped the Wonder Boys win four consecutive games and seven of their last eight. Arkansas Tech enters Thursday in second place in the GAC men’s basketball standings, one-half game behind front-running Henderson State (13-7, 8-2).
Southwestern Oklahoma State has won four of its last six games. The Bulldogs picked up a 69-54 non-conference win over Northeastern State on Monday.
Radio station KWKK 100.9 FM will have the broadcast of Thursday’s game. Live video and audio feeds will be available at www.athletics.atu.edu.
