Box Score SEARCY – Harding’s reserves outscored the Arkansas Tech backups by 14 points to lead the Bisons to a 90-82 win over the Wonder Boys on Senior Night at the Rhodes Field House. It was Harding’s 12th straight victory over Arkansas Tech in Gulf South Conference play.
Despite the win, Harding was eliminated from GSC Tournament contention due to Christian Brothers’ 66-62 victory over Arkansas-Monticello.
If Harding and Christian Brothers finish the season tied at 8-8 in conference play, the Buccaneers hold the tie-breaker for the final tournament spot.
Reserve Cole Kee tied his career high with 18 points and Reggie Bibb set a new career mark with 17 points off the bench for Harding (16-10, 7-8).
However, the night belonged to Harding’s three seniors. Lonnie Smith scored 17 points to become the highest scoring junior college transfer in Harding history with 1,025 points. He also became only the fifth Bison player and first since Corey Camper (1988-1990) to score 500 points or more in consecutive seasons.
Fellow senior Ceso Sprewell had five points, six rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Also going through Senior Night ceremonies was Brandon Sims, who has missed much of the second half of the season with a back injury. Sims has applied to the NCAA for another year of eligibility and is awaiting a response.
Patrick Andrepont had another steller effort for Harding, scoring 18 points and adding a team-high eight rebounds.
Arkansas Tech (11-15, 2-13) received solid inside play from forward Ike Ohanson who had 15 points and 14 rebounds. Joel Casseus led the Wonder Boys with 18 points.
Harding plays its final game of 2006 on Saturday at Henderson State. Tip-off is at 4 p.m.
