ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The grit and determination that has been displayed by the Arkansas Tech women's basketball team throughout the year was on full display in their final road game of the season on Thursday night as they rallied from behind to beat Henderson State, 71-66.
The resiliency displayed by the Golden Suns in the game saw them trail by as many as eight points early in the fourth quarter only to take their first lead of the game with just over three minutes left. Once they had the lead, the Golden Suns would not relinquish it, building it up as much as five points by the final horn.
That decisive fourth quarter saw the Golden Suns build on what they had started to do in the third quarter. In the third, Tech shot over 50% overall from the floor (8-of-15) and were 1-of-2 from three-point range and 2-of-3 from the free throw line. In the fourth, they matched their made field goal number on one fewer attempt for a 57% shooting percentage. They were also 1-of-1 from three-point range and an unblemished 6-of-6 from the free throw line.
All six of the free throws and the three-pointer were clutch makes for the Golden Suns as they came with under four minutes left. The three-pointer was a pivotal shot in the game as it was knocked down by
Hayleigh Wyrick and trimmed a four-point deficit down to a single point. It also sparked a 7-0 run that helped give the Golden Suns the lead they would not lose.
What helped the Golden Suns maintain the lead was their 6-of-6 showing from the line down the stretch as all six points came with Tech in the lead and under three minutes to play.
All nine of the players that saw action for the Golden Suns scored in the game and three scored in double figures. Oliva Jones led the way with 14 points and was followed by
Julie Wagner and her 12 points. Wyrick finished with 11 points and scored nine of those points in the fourth quarter.
The Golden Suns will now head home for their final game of the season. It will be a Saturday afternoon contest against Southern Arkansas. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. and 10 minutes prior to the start of the game, the Golden Suns will hold their Senior Day ceremony in which they will honor their three seniors,
Olivia Jones,
Julie Wagner and
Andie Zylak.
