MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Arkansas Tech women's basketball team got out to a slow start in their road game at Southern Arkansas on Saturday afternoon and it proved to be too much to overcome as Tech lost to SAU 81-70.
The slow start saw the Golden Suns shoot 22.2% (4-of-18) in the first quarter as they scored just 10 points that period. On the other end of the court, SAU was able to take advantage of Tech's cool start. The Muleriders would shoot 47.1% overall from the floor in the first quarter which led to 18 points and an eight-point advantage heading into the second quarter.
The offensive efficiency by the Golden Suns was slightly improved in the second quarter, but their defensive output made bigger strides as they limited the Muleriders to just four made field goals that period. That helped keep the margin at eight points at the break.
In the second half, the Golden Suns began to be more efficient in their offensive attack as they shot at least 45% overall in each of the third and fourth quarters. They were unable to make any headway in terms of the score, however, as the Muleriders also ratcheted up their efficiency and shot at least 50% overall in both second-half quarters.
That allowed SAU to keep the Golden Suns at arm's length as the Muleriders went on to secure a double-digit win.
Statistically, the Golden Suns had four players score in double figures and were led by the 19 points off the bench by
AbbiGrace Cunningham. The freshman scored her single-season high on 5-of-11 shooting overall that included 3-of-3 from three-point range as well as an unblemished 6-of-6 showing at the free throw line.
Olivia Jones was next with 13 points followed by
Julie Wagner and
Hayleigh Wyrick with a dozen each.
The Golden Suns will now prepare for one final game before the Christmas break as they will be at home against Arkansas-Monticello on Thursday, December 19. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. inside Tucker Coliseum.
