Box Score
SEARCY, Ark. - Freshman Kelsea Lyda scored 19 points to lead the Harding Lady Bisons to an 88-54 victory over the Williams Baptist Lady Eagles on Monday night in their home opener at the Rhodes Field House. The win marks Harding’s 14th consecutive victory over Williams Baptist.
The Lady Bisons improved to 3-1 with the win, and Williams Baptist fell to 4-4.
Lyda entered the game off the bench and nailed three 3-pointers in the first half, closing the half with 14 points.
The Lady Bisons pulled out a lead early by hitting 59 percent of their shots while the Lady Eagles shot just 38 percent. Harding connected on 11 straight free throws to open the game and led 49-25 at halftime.
Harding forced 16 turnovers, including 13 steals, that led to 13 first half points. The Lady Bisons ended by outscoring the Lady Eagles 33-12 on turnovers. Kinsey Tucker collected a career-high seven steals, becoming the first Lady Bison with seven or more steals in a game since Rachel Raglin completed the feat in 2000. Tucker also dished out seven assists, tying her career high.
Lyda finished shooting 7-of-10 from the field and 5-of-8 from three-point range, her 19 points tying a career-high. Catherine McMenamy finished with 15 points that included a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Jacque Fredendall and Jasmine McClindon also delivered a double-digit scoring night with 12 and 11 points respectively.
Sequita Hightower led Williams Baptist with 17 points, shooting 5-for-10 from behind the arc. Ana Novicic was the only other player to reach double figures for the Lady Eagles, totaling with 10 points.
Harding will return to action Friday, Dec. 1 at home against York at 5:30 p.m.
