RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Tech women's basketball team took to the court for the first time in nearly three weeks on Thursday night but showed little-to-no rust as they dominated East Central on both sides of the court and defeated the Tigers by a score of 71-44.
The dominance that was put on display by the Golden Suns showed up pretty much from the opening tip, but really took effect in the second quarter.
After taking the lead for good at the 6:15 mark of the first quarter, the Golden Suns ended the opening period with a 16-11 lead. By the end of the second quarter, the lead swelled to 21 points, 36-15, as the defense of the Golden Suns held the visiting Tigers to just four points on 2-of-14 shooting overall from the floor. On the offensive end, the Golden Suns shot 56% overall from the floor (9-of-16) in that period and scored 20 points.
The second half was much of the same, especially in the third quarter as the Golden Suns out-scored ECU, 23-12 that period. Twice in the third quarter, the Golden Suns were able to get their lead as high as 34 points and did so on three-point buckets from the Rollins sisters with one from Jaki at the 3:23 mark and the other from Jordyn at the 2:24 mark.
With the game well in hand, the Golden Suns were able to play a majority of the fourth quarter on cruise control as they coasted to their second-biggest blowout win of the season.
Statistically, the Golden Suns had 13 players see action with 10 scoring in the game. A trio reached double figures with
Dana Thompson leading the way with 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting overall from the floor. Thompson would also add 12 rebounds to register her second-straight double-double of the season.
Alex Hill was next in scoring with 14 points while
Jaki Rollins had a career-high 11 points.
The Golden Suns will now prepare for their next game this coming Saturday afternoon at home against Southeastern Oklahoma. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. inside Tucker Coliseum.
