Game Notes

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys basketball team (13-11, 8-10 Great American Conference) looks to take a big step forward toward the postseason this week when it returns to action in a pair of Great American Conference games.

Tech will play host to Henderson State (6-17, 5-13 GAC) on Thursday night at 7:30 before going on the road for the final road contest of the regular season at UAM this Saturday at 4 p.m.

THE STAKES
The Wonder Boys enter this weekend's games tied for eighth place with Southeastern Oklahoma, and holding the tiebreaker - for now - over the Savage Storm thanks to the Wonder Boys' 91-64 win over Southeastern in Durant back on January 7. While East Central, Ouachita, and Harding have all punched their tournament tickets, six teams are in tight contention for the remaining five spots with both Arkansas-Monticello and Henderson State facing must-win situations to keep their postseason hopes alive. Of Tech's remaining four regular-season games, one (ECU) is against a team tied for first in the league while three (SE, UAM, HSU) are either tied with or below the Wonder Boys in the standings, with three of four games coming at home. The Savage Storm close with three of four on the road, with all four opponents either tied with or above them in the standings. The home/road splits will work in the favor of both the Reddies and Boll Weevils if they are to make a last-minute run into the tourney - both teams play on the road Thursday (HSU at Tech, UAM at OBU) and conclude the regular season with three straight home games.

THE PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Tech squared off against both of this weekend's opponents earlier in the season, and were unable to pick up the win in either. Tech fell 89-80 at Henderson State, while UAM came to Russellville and topped the Wonder Boys 72-63.

THE HSU SERIES
The Reddies hold an all-time 83-78 advantage in the series over the Wonder Boys, and have won three consecutive meetings. However, the series has been characterized by big runs in either direction. Tech won 19 straight from 1951 to 1962, while HSU won 24 of 26 from 1972 to 1985. HSU also won 15 straight from 2000-2007, before Tech captured eight straight from 2008-11. HSU's 97-94 win in Arkadelphia broke that streak before the Wonder Boys won the next six in the series.

THE UAM SERIES
The Wonder Boys hold an all-time 101-52 advantage in the series between the two schools, dating back to the 1928-29 season. Tech and UAM have been relatively evenly matched the last several years, with UAM holding an 18-16 advantage since the 1998- 99 season.

FACULTY/STAFF APPRECIATION
Thursday's home games have been designated as Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night. T-shirts will be given away to the first 150 employees in attendance, and 50 coupons for a free hot dog, drink and popcorn from the concession stand will be given away. All employees in attendance will receive a 10 percent off coupon from Buffalo Wild Wings. 

THE BROADCAST
All Tech basketball games will be carried live on KCJC-FM (102.3) in Russellville, with Sam Strasner calling the play-by-play and Kelly Davis providing color analysis. Live audio, video, and statistics are available at www.arkansastechsports.com.