RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Tech women's basketball team made its 2025-26 season debut at home on Friday afternoon and did not disappoint with an exciting 102-72 win against Texas A&M-International. It was the first time since 2021 that the Golden Suns surpassed the century mark in points, doing so against Southern Arkansas in a 115-94 win.
The prolific offensive output by the Golden Suns was highlighted by 15 made three-pointers. The 15 makes from long range were the most in a game since they made 14 in a game back in 2021 against East Central.
Leading the charge for the Golden Suns in outside shooting was
Madelyn Atkins. The senior guard was 4-of-8 from three-point range. That helped Atkins be the second-leading scorer for the Golden Suns. The leading scorer for Tech in the opener was true freshman
Shalyn Lyle as she scored 19 points. Lyle was 5-of-10 overall from the floor, 3-of-4 from three-point range and 6-of-6 from the free throw line.
Lyle also added five rebounds, two assists and three steals.
The Golden Suns did not trail at any point in the game. After opening on a 9-0 run, the Golden Suns had a lead as large as 17 points in the first half. In the second half, Tech continued to build on their lead and about midway through the third quarter pushed the lead out to 20-plus. The lead ultimately got as high as 36 points during the fourth quarter before ending with a 31-point margin of victory.
Tech will now prepare for a second-straight home game this coming Monday night as they are at home against Champion Christian. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
