[February 10, 2007]

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Southern Arkansas University had no answers for a smooth Arkansas Tech University team Saturday, falling 78-66 at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center. With the win, the Golden Suns (16-7, 8-2 GSC) made it a season sweep of the Lady Muleriders (10-11, 7-3) and have won four consecutive, while SAU saw a three-game win streak come to an end.

ATU’s crisp offense provided for high percentage shots, on which they capitalized, shooting 60 percent (27-45) for the game. Tech knocked down seven of 15 treys (46.7 percent), and converted 17 of 22 free throws (77.3). Conversely, Southern Arkansas got only 21 of 52 (40.4) from the field, and a lowly one of 11 (9.1) from beyond the arc. The Lady Muleriders went to the line 33 times, connecting on 23 (69.7).

Trailing 37-28 at the half, SAU used an 11-5 run at the beginning of the second frame to cut it to 42-39 on Stefanie White’s old-fashioned three-point play at 14:55. Southern Arkansas kept within striking distance, finding themselves down only 50-45 on Kim Davis’ lay-up at 11:13. The Golden Suns then blew it open, using a 14-2 run over the next five minutes for a commanding 64-47 lead on Krishna Baker’s lay-up with 5:54 remaining. The Lady Muleriders could get no closer than a nine-point game at the 1:01 mark as ATU cruised to the win.

SAU’s only lead of the game came in the first half on its first made basket, a trey from Brooke Grigsby for a 3-2 advantage, but Arkansas Tech scored seven consecutive from there. Southern Arkansas pulled back to within 9-8, when Christy Mahan sparked the Golden Suns with eight points during a 13-2 spree for a 22-10 lead.

ATU put three in the scoring column in double-digits, led by Baker’s 18. She knocked down seven of 10 shots, hitting two of three from downtown, and canned her only two free throws. Baker also dished out four assists. Amanda Grappe added 15 points, and Mahan had 12, all in the first half. Daiane Domingos pulled down five rebounds.

Davis finished with her ninth consecutive double-double, posting 19 points and 11 rebounds. With 12 in her 13 games this season she now has 40 in her career. Goldie White added 16 points, and served up four assists, and Grigsby had 10 points. Stefanie White grabbed three steals.

Turnovers continue to be a problem for the Lady Muleriders as they committed 21 which Tech turned into 19 points. SAU had a season-high 26 miscues in the win over Henderson State on Thursday.

Southern Arkansas held a narrow 30-28 rebound margin, yet the Golden Suns still outscored them 38-28 inside.

The Lady Muleriders, still in contention for a Gulf South Conference West Division championship, find themselves in sole possession of third, while ATU is in second, both behind Delta State (9-1).

SAU steps out of conference play when they travel to Arkadelphia on Monday, facing Dixie State College out of St. George, Utah. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Henderson State’s Duke Wells Center. Southern Arkansas returns to GSC play Thursday, hosting Delta State at 5:30 p.m. at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center.

#SAU#