Henderson State snapped an eight-game men’s basketball losing streak against Arkansas Tech by defeating the Wonder Boys 97-94 in Great American Conference action at the Duke Wells Center in Arkadelphia on Saturday evening.
The Reddies (9-6 overall, 4-1 GAC) took the lead for good at 73-70 on an Andrew Ensley 3-point play with 8:56 remaining. Henderson State built an 82-76 advantage on Ensley’s 3-pointer with 4:55 left.
Johnie Davis got Arkansas Tech (11-4, 3-2) back in the game by scoring eight points over a span of 90 seconds. His free throw with 3:15 left cut Henderson State’s margin to 86-84.
Thirty seconds later, Davis fouled out of the game when he was called for an offensive foul.
The Reddies sealed their win by making 8-of-10 free throws over the final 1:43.
Arkansas Tech’s Jared Williamson got a look at a 70-foot shot to try to tie the score at the buzzer. It was right on line, but fell just short as the Wonder Boys saw their 3-game winning streak come to an end.
“After the UAM loss a couple of weeks ago, I was upset with our effort,” said Wonder Boys head coach Doug Karleskint. “I was proud of our effort tonight. We battled and never crumbled when we faced adversity.”
Denzel Lyles matched his career high with 31 points for Henderson State. Ensley had 24 points for the Reddies, who beat Arkansas Tech’s men for the first time since Feb. 2, 2007.
Davis finished with 28 points for Arkansas Tech. Williamson notched 19 points and Mykel Cleveland had 13 points.
The Wonder Boys will host Harding University for a 7:30 p.m. GAC game at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Monday, Jan. 23.
Tickets will be available at the door. Those with a valid Arkansas Tech identification card will be admitted free.
Click here to learn more about Arkansas Tech Athletics.
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