Defense and rebounding were the key factors Thursday night in a 91-64 Arkansas Tech University victory over Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Great American Conference men’s basketball at Bloomer Sullivan Arena in Durant, Okla.
The Wonder Boys (9-2 overall, 4-1 GAC) limited the Savage Storm to 32 percent shooting from the field and out-rebounded Southeastern 46-35 as they extended their winning streak to eight games.
“We knew we would have to start fast,” said Arkansas Tech head coach Chad Kline. “Southeastern Oklahoma State is a lot better than its record. They’d lost five straight during a tough stretch in their schedule, and we knew coming back home they would play as hard as they could. I credit our guys for the way they paid attention to the scouting report. Everyone who checked in tonight contributed something positive.”
The Wonder Boys scored the first nine points of the game and never relinquished the lead. They held a 43-28 edge at halftime and led by as many as 30 points in the second half.
Marquis Yates paced Tech with 22 points. He also had seven rebounds. Andrew Guillory notched 13 points and seven rebounds. DeChriston McKinney and Bryson Fletcher had 11 points apiece for the Wonder Boys.
Anton Cook scored a game-high 25 points for Southeastern Oklahoma State (3-8, 1-4).
With the win, Arkansas Tech earned a share of first place in the GAC men’s basketball standings.
The Wonder Boys will complete a two-game road trip to Oklahoma by visiting East Central University for a 3 p.m. GAC contest at the Kerr Activities Center in Ada on Saturday, Jan. 9. Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will have live coverage.
