RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Tech women's basketball team took on their third nationally-ranked opponent in their last four games on Thursday night as they played No. 14-ranked Harding at home. A hard-fought game ultimately ended with Harding knocking off Tech by a score of 64-56.
In the first quarter, Harding established the first big lead of the game with an eight-point advantage at the 3:38 mark. The Golden Suns were able to close out the remainder of the opening period on a 5-0 run to end the quarter trailing by three, 15-12.
The Lady Bisons would go on to hold their lead throughout the totality of the second quarter, but on a pair of occasions, the Golden Suns were able to get with two points of the Harding lead. By the end of the second quarter, Harding held a four-point lead, 27-23.
Early in the third quarter, the Golden Suns tied the score at 29-all, but unfortunately, Harding was ready with a quick answer on the other end and did not allow the game to be tied for long as they hit a three-pointer to go back in front with just over eight minutes left in the quarter. Unfortunately, the Golden Suns would hit a lull offensively allowing Harding to begin to pull away. By the end of the period, the Lady Bisons were leading by nine, 41-32.
The fourth quarter was a high-scoring period that saw both teams seemingly trade basket after basket. That back-and-forth scoring nature did not lend itself to allow the Golden Suns an opportunity to cut into the deficit as Harding was able to keep Tech at arm's length through the final buzzer.
Statistically, the Golden Suns had two players score in double figures and were led by
Maisa Marcal and her 19 points. The senior transfer was 9-of-18 shooting overall from the floor which included 1-of-4 from the three-point line. Behind Marcal in scoring was
Alex Hill with 12 points.
The Golden Suns will now prepare for a home game on Saturday afternoon against Arkansas-Monticello. Tip-off against the Cotton Blossoms is scheduled for 1 p.m. from Tucker Coliseum.
