Box Score

ROLLA, Mo. – Harding University senior Matt Garner scored a career-high 19 points, including seven straight during a crucial stretch, to lead the Bisons to a 75-70 road win over Missouri S&T on Monday at the Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building.

Garner, who shot 8-of-9 from the field, gave Harding a 67-65 with his third three-pointer of the game. His next bucket came on the Bisons' next trip and gave Harding a 69-67 lead. The Bisons led the rest of the way as Garner drilled another jumper at the 1:45 mark that extended the lead to four.

Two Stephen Blake free throws and a Trent Morgan put-back down the stretch clinched the victory for the Bisons.

Harding (1-0) opened the season at Missouri S&T for the second straight season and avenged a double overtime loss in last year's first game. The Miners (0-1) were playing their first game under new head coach Jim Glash.

The Bisons shot 47 percent in the game and connected on seven three-pointers. Missouri S&T did not shoot as well, 37 percent, but hit 10 from long range.

Harding led 41-37 at halftime thanks to floor-leader Stephen Blake, who had six of his career-high eight assists before for the break. Blake finished with 12 points and six rebounds.

Senior guard Trent Morgan had 12 points and Sam Brown added 10. Junior Kevin Brown had only three points but pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds.

Guard Bryce Foster led Missouri S&T with 18 points, shooting 7-of-11 from the field.

Harding will make its Searcy debut Thursday night when it hosts former Lone Star Conference foe Northeastern State. Tip-off at the Rhodes Field House is at 7:30 p.m.