R.J. Glasper made 6-of-6 free throws over the final 61 seconds and Arkansas Tech University held on for a 72-65 Great American Conference men’s basketball win over Southeastern Oklahoma State University at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Thursday night.
The Wonder Boys (12-6 overall, 6-6 GAC) led 66-57 in the final three minutes, but a 8-2 run by the Savage Storm cut Tech’s advantage to 68-65 with 28.4 seconds remaining.
The comeback stopped there courtesy of the Wonder Boys’ defense. Tech forced a turnover and a missed shot during Southeastern Oklahoma State’s final two possessions, and Glasper made 4-of-4 free throws in the last 22.2 seconds to seal the win.
Arkansas Tech stopped a string of five losses in its last six games.
“Sometimes in life you have to make adjustments,” said Chad Kline, ATU head coach. “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. The biggest difference is we had a chance this week to have three real practices and work on our defense. It’s nice to have a gritty bunch of guys.”
Glasper finished with 18 points, while Montrell Williams notched 17 points and Alex Brown had 13 points for Tech.
Jett Jobe had 15 points for the Savage Storm (9-8, 8-4).
The Wonder Boys will host East Central University for a 3 p.m. GAC contest at Tucker Coliseum on Saturday, Jan. 27.
Tickets ($5 adults/$3 students and senior citizens) will be available at the door. Faculty, staff and students with their valid ATU identification card will be admitted free of charge.
