The 101st season of Arkansas Tech men's basketball marked the return to fame of the Wonder Boys.
Arkansas Tech lost to No. 2 ranked Minnesota State University 75-68 in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Division II Tournament on Saturday, finishing with an overall record of 25-7.
It was the 10th season in ATU men's basketball history with at least 25 wins and the first such season since the 2011-12 season. The Wonder Boys won their first regular season conference championship since the 2013-14 season and their first Great American Conference tournament championship since 2015.
Arkansas Tech is making its 21st national championship appearance in men's basketball and first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2017. The Wonderboys trailed by just one point at halftime Saturday night, but Minnesota State made nine of its first 13 3-point attempts. The second half begins. The Mavericks built a 67-53 lead with less than 10 minutes left.
“Shooting is contagious,” ATU men's basketball head coach Mark Downey said after the game. “When you see one person walk in in front of 5,000 people and you hear that crowd, it's contagious to the whole team.”
Despite Minnesota State's barrage of outside shots, Arkansas Tech wasn't finished. The Wonder Boys rattled off nine unanswered points to pull within 67-62 at the 5:37 mark. Minnesota State fought back with back-to-back goals from Justin Eagins and was able to prevent ATU from making a comeback.
“I'm not going to say there's a positive when you lose,” Downey said. “I'm going to stew on this for a long time, but there's a group coming back that could be special. They were special this year, so they can come back and do it again next year. A year from now, I Wouldn't it be great if we were talking at the scorer's table and surrounded by green and gold? Sounds like fun. We could do that with the group we're returning to.
“We appreciate the support (the community) has shown us this week, the past two weeks and throughout the season,” Downey continued. “At the send-off party the other day…all the things people have done for us…I'm humbled and honored to be the head coach and represent Arkansas Tech. It's been a great year, but… , there are even bigger things ahead.”
Live coverage of Arkansas Tech baseball and softball games is available throughout the spring at www.arkansastechsports.com.
Arkansas Tech University athletics on KCJC 102.3 FM and the EAB Media Group app will return to the air Thursday, September 5th. The Wonder Boys will open the 109th season of Arkansas Tech football by hosting Oklahoma Baptist University at Simmons Bank Field at Thon Stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Pregame show begins at 6:30 p.m.
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Tech Tidbits is a column written by Sam Strasner, ATU Director of University Relations and radio play-by-play voice for ATU football and basketball.
