Arkansas Tech University's women's and men's basketball teams showcase resilience and determination in recent games, bouncing back from tough challenges and securing hard-fought victories. With a few games remaining, both teams are focused on securing their spots in the postseason and will continue to give their all on the court.
Resilient Arkansas Tech Women's Basketball Team Dominates Oklahoma Baptist
( Credit to: Arkansastechnews )
Arkansas Tech University's women's basketball team bounced back from a tough loss with a dominant performance, putting them in a good position to make it to the postseason for the 18th consecutive year. After shooting just 23 percent from the floor in their previous game, the Golden Suns regrouped and came out firing on all cylinders. Their improved shooting led them to a resounding 87-54 victory over Oklahoma Baptist University.
Head coach Dave Wilbers credited the team's strong practice session the day before for their turnaround. The players were determined to rectify their poor shooting performance and came prepared to give their best. Their hard work paid off as they shot a season-best 61 percent from the field in the game against Oklahoma Baptist.
Wilbers acknowledged that basketball is a game of momentum, and when shots are falling, everything seems to fall into place. The Golden Suns' improved shooting not only boosted their confidence but also put them in a favorable position in the Great American Conference (GAC) standings. They are currently tied for sixth place with Ouachita Baptist University, with Southern Arkansas University and Oklahoma Baptist right behind them.
With only six regular season games remaining, five of which will be played on the road, the Golden Suns are aware of the challenges that lie ahead. However, they have shown resilience on the road so far, with close games in every away matchup. Wilbers emphasized the importance of making crucial plays in these games to secure their spot in the GAC Tournament.
Arkansas Tech Men's Basketball Team Overcomes Injuries for Hard-Fought Victory
On the men's side, Arkansas Tech's basketball team has been dealing with a string of injuries, with Cassius Brooks being the latest casualty. Despite missing their second-leading scorer, the Wonder Boys managed to pull off a hard-fought 82-78 victory over Oklahoma Baptist. Head coach Mark Downey praised the team's determination and highlighted the standout performance of Isaac Ragland.
Ragland, who had limited playing time in previous games, stepped up in a big way, scoring a career-high 18 points. He showcased his shooting prowess by going 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Downey commended Ragland's contribution and emphasized the team's "next man up" mentality. Other players like Trey Allen and Braden Tanner also made valuable contributions to secure the victory.
Taelon Peter, another key player for the Wonder Boys, played a crucial role in preserving their lead against Oklahoma Baptist. With 28 points and a crucial block in the final seconds, Peter showcased his ability to step up in clutch moments. Despite a short bench, the team has been relying heavily on Peter's minutes to overcome their depth issues.
Looking ahead, Downey emphasized the need for the team to keep pushing and grinding as they approach the end of the regular season. With fatigue setting in, the players must stay focused on their goal of making it to March. Downey stressed the importance of taking it one game, possession, and play at a time.
Challenging Week Ahead for Arkansas Tech Basketball Teams
Arkansas Tech's basketball teams will have a challenging week ahead with doubleheaders against Harding University and Ouachita Baptist. These games will be crucial in determining their standings in the GAC and their path to the postseason. Fans can catch the live coverage on KCJC 102.3 FM, www.arkansastechsports.com, and the EAB Media Group app.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the women's and men's basketball teams at Arkansas Tech University showcased their resilience and determination in their recent games. The women's team bounced back from a tough loss with a dominant performance, while the men's team overcame injuries to secure a hard-fought victory. With a few games remaining, both teams are focused on securing their spots in the postseason and will continue to give their all on the court.
