RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - Freshman Caroline Eubanks turned in a 12-point, 11-rebound performance for her first double-double performance of the season, while sophomore Jae Tucker notched a career-high 12 points as the Arkansas Tech Golden Suns (10-5, 7-2 GAC) take down the Southern Arkansas Lady Muleriders (0-14, 0-9 GAC) 99-46.
"I like the way our bench came in and they ran a good offense and defense," said head coach Dave Wilbers. "They never lost focus and it was a good offensive game. Our players did a good job of taking care of the game and getting good shots."
During the first half, the Golden Suns came out with a fire and didn't allow the Lady Muleriders to score until the 13:50 mark when Southern Arkansas' Bria Snowden made a good layup to put them on the board. The two teams traded buckets and from there it was off to the races for the Golden Suns, who maintained the lead throughout the entire half as they pushed their lead to as much as 26 (48-22) at the half.
Senior Westin Taylor went 3-4 on 3-pointers, 4-6 on field goals, and 3-3 on free throws in the first half.
"Westin is such a good shooter and she got a quick release," said Wilbers. "It's good to see her out there shooting again."
It was more of the same for the Golden Suns in the second half. Their offense was unstoppable, as was their defense. The Golden Suns defense held the Lady Muleriders without a field goal for nearly four minutes.
The Golden Suns biggest lead of the night was in the final margin, a 53-point lead that was capped off with a free throw from junior Joseane Bazilio.
Arkanas Tech held a 55-33 advantage on the rebounding glass, while forcing 24 turnovers and only committing 12. ATU placed five players in double figures, while only one player reached double figures for SAU. The Golden Suns held a 52-24 advantage in points in the paint and a 9-0 advantage on fast-break points.
"We are used to playing big games and going on the road," said Wilbers. "Our conference is wide open and they are all pretty good. We had a great crowd tonight and we will at Searcy as well, which really helps."
The Golden Suns will travel to Searcy, Arkansas next Thursday January 24 to play against Harding University. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Kaitlyn Williams: Arkansas Tech Sports Information