RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Kelsey McClure scored 19 points and Cheyenne North added 12 points, seven rebounds four assists and two blocks, as the Arkansas Tech Golden Suns defeated the East Central Tigers, 68-43, on Saturday. The victory gives Tech its eighth straight win, the longest current streak in the Great American Conference.
 
NEXT UP

• The Golden Suns (9-1, 5-1 GAC) will be in action again on Thursday, Jan. 12, hosting Ouachita at 5:30 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

• The first six minutes of the first quarter featured one tie and four lead changes, until a 6-0 run gave the Golden Suns a 13-8 early advantage. Tech took a 19-13 lead into the second period, outscoring East Central, 14-0, in the paint.
• Tech continued to build on its lead in the second quarter, reaching a double-digit lead on a free-throw by Danielle Frachiseur.
• The Golden Suns reached their largest lead of the half at 12 points with under a minute until halftime, but two ECU free-throws cut the deficit to 37-27 heading into the break.
• After the Tigers scored on their first possession of the third quarter, Calli White sparked a 7-0 run with a three-pointer. North added the final four points of the streak, giving Tech its largest lead so far at 15 points.
• Arkansas Tech took its first 20-point lead in the fourth quarter on another three by White, and the Golden Suns eventually claimed its largest lead of 25 on a free-throw by McKenzie Morris with 1:44 to play. Tech dominated inside again in the period, outscoring East Central 8-0 on points in the paint and 8-0 on second-chance points.
• Tech finished the contest shooting 41.8 percent from the floor while holding the Tigers to just 24.5 percent on field goals.

 
NOTABLES

• Arkansas Tech has started the season 9-1 or better in five of the last eight seasons.
• The Golden Suns outscored East Central 28-8 in the paint, and 13 offensive rebounds gave Tech 15 second-chance points.
• Tech had its best free-throw shooting game of the season, netting 15-17.
• McClure's 19 points came on 7-13 shooting, including a trio of three-pointers. North was 5-7 on field goals. Frachiseur pulled down a team-high eight boards, including three offensive rebounds.