Arkansas Tech opens the Daryl Fimple era at home Monday against Arkansas-Fort Smith. The Golden Suns are coming off a 19-9 season and return seven players, while the Lions finished 5-23 and were picked 13th in the 14-team MIAA.

By the Numbers
  • Tipoff: Monday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville.
  • Arkansas Tech leads the all-time series, 2-1.
  • The Golden Suns averaged 78.5 points per game last season; the Lions averaged 61.3.
  • AbbiGrace Cunningham averaged 11.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game for Tech, shooting 44% from the field.
Yes, But

Arkansas Tech’s strong scoring and returning experience offer an early advantage, but the Golden Suns also begin the season with a new coach and were picked sixth in the Great American Conference. UAFS returns four players, including second-leading scorer Haleigh Jackson.

What's Next

Monday’s matchup will provide the first look at how Fimple’s team performs against an opponent that struggled last season. Live stats, video and audio are available through Arkansas Tech.

Bottom Line

Tech has the stronger recent record and a clear scoring edge on paper, but its season opener is also the first test of a new coaching era.