Box Score
ARKADELPHIA, ARK. – Harding had its best shooting night of the season Monday at Vining Arena and defeated Ouachita Baptist 86-73 to remain alive for the final spot in the Gulf South Conference Tournament. The Bisons are just one game behind Christian Brothers. Each team has two regular season games left to play.
Harding (15-10, 6-8 GSC) shot 58% from the field, hitting 66% in the first half to build a 44-27 lead at the break. Ouachita Baptist (12-15, 4-10 GSC) continued to fade in the conference standings, losing for the eighth time in its last 10 games.
Senior Lonnie Smith scored 15 of his team-high 25 points in the second half to lead the Bisons. Smith connected on a three-pointer late in the game to become the 28th Harding player with 1,000 career points. Patrick Andrepont hit 9-of-13 from the field and scored 21 points.
Lucky Butler, one of two Ouachita Baptist seniors to play their final game at Vining Arena, scored a game-high 28 points. He hit 6-of-11 from three-point range and led OBU with five rebounds.
Harding’s Ceso Sprewell notched his second straight double-double with 11 points and a game-high 12 rebounds.
The Bisons controlled the paint throughout the game. Harding outscored Ouachita Baptist 46-24 in the lane and held a 36-27 rebound advantage.
Harding continues its race for the postseason Thursday when it hosts Arkansas Tech.
