RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Tech men's basketball team suffered a tough 69-67 loss at home on Friday night to Missouri Western as the Wonder Boys were overtaken late by the Griffons.
The Wonder Boys controlled most of the game and gained control in the first half with a strong and efficient output offensively. Through the first 20 minutes, the Wonder Boys shot 61.9% (13-of-21) overall from the floor and built up a lead as large as 13 points. By the break, the Wonder Boys led by seven, 36-29.
Tech would remain in control early in the second half and built their lead out as high as 15 points, 56-41, with just under 12 minutes left. After the Wonder Boys hit that high watermark in terms of a lead, Missouri Western began to methodically work their way back into the game.
Over the next five and a half minutes, the Wonder Boys were held scoreless while the Griffons managed to tie the score at 56-all at the 6:19 mark. Less than a minute later, the run reached 17-0 as Missouri Western captured their first lead of the game since early in the first half.
The Wonder Boys and Griffons then traded scores over the next three or so minutes of action. During that time, the score was tied four times. The last of those ties came at the 2:47 mark and saw Tech's
Cassius Brooks complete a four-point play as he was fouled on a three-pointer with Tech trailing by four.
The score remained tied at 67-all until the clock got under a minute as the Griffons took the lead on a layup. With the game's final possession, the Wonder Boys were able to get a pair of decent shots off from three-point range for the potential win, but both unfortunately drew iron, giving Missouri Western the comeback victory.
Five Wonder Boys scored in double-figures with
Trey Allen leading with 16 points. Seybain Sims was next with 15. Sims also added a team-high nine rebounds.
Sean Cobb provided an efficient 12 points off the bench while Brooks and
Albright Obode each had 11 points.
Kade Shaffer was held scoreless in the game, but he did have seven assists as he helped facilitate the offense.
The Wonder Boys will now prepare for their final non-conference game of the season coming up next Wednesday. That game will see the Wonder Boys on the road at Pittsburg State. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.
