Box Score Box Score

SEARCY - Harding University senior guard Matt Garner scored 18 points and sophomore Kirk Porter added 16 to lead the Bisons to a 68-63 victory over Northeastern State in Harding's home opener at the Rhodes Field House. The Bisons have won 34 straight home openers dating to 1975.

Garner, a native of Jonesboro and the current Gulf South Conference Player of the Week, connected on 5-of-7 shots from the field, including 3-of-4 three-pointers.

Harding (2-0) trailed 23-14 with 7:18 left in the first half, but the Bisons went on a 19-0 run to close out the first half and led by 10 at the break.

Marlon Burnett led Northeastern State (1-1) with 24 points. Senior Jason Jones scored 13 points and added 11 rebounds.

Harding extended its lead to as many as 13 in the second half when Porter converted a three-point play with 10:13 left.

Porter's 16 points were one shy of a career high. The Paragould native shot 6-of-11 from the field and made 4-of-6 free throws.

Trent Morgan scored 12 points for Harding and added four steals.

The Bisons outscored the RiverHawks 24-13 off turnovers.

Harding will be back in action Monday, Nov. 23 at the Rhodes Field House when it hosts Champion Baptist for a 7:30 tip-off.