Arkansas Tech Runs Past Lane Lady Dragons

RUSSELLVILLE ---- Hitting at a sizzling 76 percent clip while breezing to an early 17-5 lead, the No. 7 Arkansas Tech Golden Suns went on to claim an 82-32 intersectional win over Lane College Tuesday night at Tucker Coliseum.

If there was ever any question as to Tech’ strength in this one, the Suns used a 19-3 scoot to open up a never-to-be caught 46-14 advantage on their way to posting the 18th 3-0 season start in the 26-year history of what has become the winningest women’s program among all NCAA Division II teams in the United States.

The Suns’ patented defense held Lane to one field goal during the first 15 minutes of the second half as Tech opened up a 76-26 gap with as many as four first-time freshmen on the floor for Coach Joe Foley’s troops.

Natalie Garey led the Golden Suns, who improved their all-time Tucker Coliseum performance mark to 291-24, with 17 points --- 15 of which came in the first half of Tech’s 48-21 dominance. The 6-2 Garey also pulled down a career-high 13 rebounds. Chanovia Rhodes chipped in with another 15 points.

Pamela Williams led Lane with seven points as the Lady Dragons fell for the fifth time in as many outings this winter.

Tech finished this one hitting at a 62 percent clip from the field and held a 46-33 edge on the boards.

Lane, forced into 24 turnovers by the scrappy Suns, wound up hitting at a 29 percent pace from the floor.