Box Score
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Texas-Pan American shot 61 percent from the field and had four players in double figures in an 83-64 victory over Harding on Saturday in the second day of Price Cutter Classic, hosted by Missouri State.
For one half, it looked as if NCAA Division II Harding (0-2) might upset Texas-Pan American (3-1) and win its first game in 10 all-time meetings with a Division I opponent. The Bisons trailed only 37-34 at halftime, and senior Matt Hall hit a jumper with 16:14 left in the game to bring Harding to within 44-40. Texas-Pan American, a Division I independent, then ran off 11 straight points to take a 55-40 advantage, Harding never got any closer than 12 the rest of the way.
UT-Pan American senior Brian Burrell led all scorers with 20 points, and Bronc senior point guard Paul Stoll added a double-double with 19 points and 11 assits.
Senior forward Matt Hall led Harding with 16 points and a career-high five assists. Sophomore Trent Morgan was the only other Bison in double figures with 13 points.
Several Harding players battled foul trouble throughout the game. Senior forward Chris Dixon, who had 14 points against Missouri State on Friday, fouled out in 16 minutes without scoring. The Bisons had 28 fouls in the game, and the Broncs hit 19-of-28 from the foul line. Harding made 11-of-18 (61%) free throws.
Texas-Pan American shot 57 percent from the field in the first half and improved to 65 percent in the second half. Harding shot only 12-of-32 (38%) in the second half and 40 percent for the game. The Bisons, who hit 10-of-19 three-pointers against Missouri State, made only 7-of-26 (27%) against the Broncs.
Harding's next action comes Friday and Saturday at the Buffalo Thanksgiving Classic, hosted by West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas. The Bisons will meet Northeastern State on Friday, and will play either West Texas A&M or Western State of Colorado on Saturday.
