Arkansas Tech takes a 1-0 record into the Delta State Invitational in Cleveland, Mississippi, for two early-season tests: No. 22 Minnesota Duluth on Friday and host Delta State on Saturday. The Golden Suns opened with a 78-64 win over Arkansas-Fort Smith, led by Jessie Lyle’s 19 points.

By the Numbers
  • Arkansas Tech: 1-0 after a 78-64 season-opening win.
  • Minnesota Duluth: No. 22 nationally; reached last season’s NCAA Elite Eight after going 23-9.
  • Delta State leads its all-time series with Arkansas Tech, 28-23.
Yes, But

Arkansas Tech has won all three of its past meetings with Minnesota Duluth, but the teams haven’t played since 1994. Delta State, meanwhile, dropped its opener 79-66 and holds the historical edge in a rivalry renewed in recent seasons.

State of Play
  • Friday, Nov. 13: Arkansas Tech vs. Minnesota Duluth at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 14: Arkansas Tech vs. Delta State at 6 p.m.
  • Both games are at Walter Sillers Coliseum in Cleveland, Mississippi.
What's Next

The Golden Suns will face Minnesota Duluth in the Bulldogs’ first official game of the season, then take on Delta State a day later. The weekend offers an early measure of Arkansas Tech’s progress under first-year head coach Darly Fimple.

Bottom Line

Arkansas Tech arrives with the only win among the three teams, but the invitationals’ back-to-back matchups against a nationally ranked program and a familiar rival will quickly test the Golden Suns’ strong start.