The Missouri Western women’s road struggles continued Monday night in Russellville, Ark., falling 81-75 against the 13th ranked Golden Suns of Arkansas Tech. Jessica Koch continued her solid play dumping in 31 points on 13-of-21 shooting as the Griffons fall to 6-15 overall.
The first half was a close battle as neither team led by more than six points. There were five lead changes and seven ties in the frame as the Griffons hung in with the high powered Golden Suns. The Griffons went into the locker room down 36-33.
Western came out of the locker room determined scoring eight of the first 11 points taking a two point lead at 41-39 after two Abby Stone free throws. Western continued to play well going up by four after an Alicia Bell three with 13:59 to play.
The next minute and ten seconds belonged to Arkansas Tech as three consecutive three’s, two by Katie Horsman and a Lindsey Root free throw gave the Golden Suns a six point lead with 12:49 to play. ATU stretched their lead to eight after Horsman nailed another three with just under 12 minutes to play.
Western answered the bell cutting the lead to two just four minutes later after a Koch free throw. The Golden Suns opened up a seven point lead with just under three minutes to play but once again Western used a 6-0 run cutting the Golden Sun’s lead to 76-75 with 2:09 to play.
The Griffons did not score the rest of the game as the Golden Suns took the six point victory. Arkansas Tech improves to 15-3 with the victory shooting 47.5-percent (28-59) from the floor and sinking 17-of-22 free throws. Natalia Santos finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds while Horsman dumped in 23 points making 6-of-8 long range shots. Jessica Watherford also finished with a double double scoring 10 points and snaring 10 rebounds.
Western made 30-of-73 field goals and 8-of-24 long range shots. Western struggled from the line making 7-of-13 free throws and got outrebounded 43 to 38. Bell and Ashley Curry finished with 14 and 11 points respectively. Koch and Bell recorded nine rebounds apiece.
Western returns to action on Saturday, February 11 when they take on the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats in Maryville, Mo. Game time is set for 1:30 pm in Bearcat Arena.
— MWSU Sports Information —