Jan. 17, 2008

Final Stats

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark.--Host Arkansas Tech used a 19-6 run late in the first half to seize control on their way to a 78-70 win over the Christian Brothers University Lady Bucs Thursday night in Gulf South Conference West Division play.

The Golden Suns (13-2, 2-0 GSC West) ran their winning streak to 13 straight games, while CBU's own streak ended at 10. The Lady Bucs (13-2, 1-1) started strong, building a 17-10 lead on a three-pointer by junior guard Erin Nigh (Morristown, Ind./Morristown HS) with 12:41 remaining, but a Ruby Vaden layup just over a minute later sparked the 19-6 run that put ATU in control for good, taking a 36-29 lead on an Ashley Grappe jumper just before halftime.

The Lady Bucs cut the lead back to three points three different times early in the second half, but a Brittany Gottsponer fastbreak layup with 15:33 remaining sparked a 20-7 run that helped the Golden Suns build their lead to 16 points at 62-46 with 8:00 remaining, and the Lady Bucs could come no closer than six points again.

Nigh tied her career high with seven three-pointers on her way to 22 points, while junior forward Crystal Shelton (Nashville, Tenn./Hume Fogg HS) added 13.

Vaden led the way for the Golden Suns with 23 points and 15 rebounds, both game-highs. Ashley Grappe scored 17 with four assists and three steals. Amanda Grappe added 14 points, 11 rebounds, and three steals, while Krishna Baker had 10 points and nine rebounds.

The Golden Suns held a commanding 45-32 edge on the boards as they held the Lady Bucs to just 38.5 percent (25-of-65) from the floor and 33.3 percent (11-of-33) from beyond the arc. ATU shot 50 percent (27-of-54) from the floor and made 24 of their 37 free throws, while CBU was 9-of-15 at the line.

The Lady Bucs will be back at Canale Arena Saturday afternoon at 5 p.m. for Homecoming as they take on Henderson State.