RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas Tech's second-half comeback came up just short on Saturday, as the Wonder Boys fell to the East Central Tigers, 94-85. Tech outscored the Tigers, 47-38, in the second half.
 
NEXT UP

• The Wonder Boys (7-3, 3-3 GAC) will take the floor again on Thursday, Jan. 12, as Tech hosts Ouachita in Tucker Coliseum. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Live audio, video, and statistics are available at www.arkansastechsports.com. The game will be carried live on 102.3-FM (KCJC) in Russellville, with Sam Strasner calling the play-by-play.

 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• East Central (8-4, 4-2 GAC) took control of the game in the first half, starting the contest with a 33-7 that lasted just under 10 minutes.
• Tech finally got moving with an 8-1 run midway through the first half, all eight points coming from Trevin Woods. East Central responded, however, with a run of its own to take the Tigers' largest lead of 29 points with 4:27 until halftime.
• The Wonder Boys found an offensive spark to end the half, outscoring East Central 9-0 in the final 1:21 of the period, including back-to-back three-pointers from Grant Prusator and Montrell Williams.
• Much of East Central's success on offense came off Arkansas Tech turnovers. The Wonder Boys committed 15 turnovers in the 20-minute period, resulting in 23 points for ECU.
• East Central survived multiple comeback attempts by Tech throughout the second half, as the Tigers maintained their double-digit lead for the first 12 minutes.
• Tech cut ECU's lead to 10 points or less on seven occasions, but the Tigers answered every time to keep the Wonder Boys from completing a comeback. Tech's best chance at a comeback came on a 6-0 run that ended with a Justin Graham layup to pull Tech within seven points with 1:03 to play.
• The Wonder Boys were just 1-5 on field goals in the final minute of the game, allowing the Tigers to escape with the victory.

 
NOTABLES

• Tech controlled the second half throughout, outscoring ECU 24-14 inside and 10-4 on second-chance points. The Wonder Boys also committed just six turnovers in the final 20 minutes.
• Four Wonder Boys scored in double digits in the loss, with Graham's 17 points leading the charge. Graham added five assists and four rebounds.
• Alex Brown finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, securing his first career double-double at Arkansas Tech. Bennie Lufile picked up his fourth double-double of the season, tallying 12 points and 12 boards. Woods finished with 12 points, as well, on 5-7 shooting from the field.