SHAWNEE, Okla. – Arkansas Tech junior forward
Niko Gosnell had his best game as a Wonder Boy on Monday night against Oklahoma Baptist as the Lone Tree, Iowa native poured in 26 points on 10-of-11 shooting. The career-high offensive effort by Gosnell was not enough, however, as the Wonder Boys were upended late, 80-73.
Gosnell's big night got off to a quick start as he had 10 points on 4-of-4 shooting at the break. That individual offensive production was a part of an overall highly-efficient attack by the Wonder Boys (7-12, 4-9 GAC) in the first half as they shot an eye-popping 69.2%, making 18-of-26 shots.
Despite the hot shooting, the Wonder Boys were unable to gain any separation as the Bison (15-6, 12-3 GAC) were just as efficient in the first half shooting 63.6% themselves, making 14-of-22 shots.
Play remained closed throughout much of the second half with Tech staying out in front of the Bison.
With 7:54 left in regulation, the Wonder Boys grabbed their largest lead of the second half at seven points, 65-58, on a painted jumper by Gosnell. Oklahoma Baptist then went on a 7-0 run over the next two minutes of action to pull even.
The Wonder Boys would not relinquish the lead at that point and kept the Bison at bay until the 1:46 mark when an old-fashioned three-point play for Oklahoma Baptist broke what was a 69-all tie. Following a missed attempt to knot the game, the Bison doubled their lead to six on a three-pointer with just over a minute left to play.
Tech was able to pull within four points on a pair of occasions down the stretch, but that was as close as they would get as the Bison held on for the win.
In addition to Gosnell's big night, Tech had two other standout offensive performances.
Cameron Kennedy was the second-leading scorer with 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting (5-of-10 3PT).
Tony Hall scored 17 points on 6-of-14 shooting.
The Wonder Boys will have a very quick turnaround as they are set to play at home against Harding on Tuesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside Tucker Coliseum.
