Box Score

SEARCY – Harding University junior Sam Brown scored a career-high 21 points and Matt Garner came off the bench to score 13 as the Bisons cruised past Central Baptist 89-38 on Monday at the Rhodes Field House.

With the win, Harding started a season 3-0 for the first time since 2003. Champion Baptist fell to 4-7 overall.

Harding's defensive effort was tied for the third-best in school history, matching the 38 points allowed last season to Ecclesia and just two off the school record of 36 points allowed.

Brown, a native of Little Rock, made four three-pointers in the second half and scored 14 points after the break.

Harding outscored Champion Baptist 55-17 in the second half, shooting 58.8 percent from the field after halftime.

Junior James Manthe led Champion Baptist with 19 points. The Tigers shot only 3-of-23 (13 percent) from three-point range.

Kevin Brown was the only other Harding player in double figures with 11 points.

The game was the second of four straight home games for the Bisons. Harding's home stand continues Saturday, Nov. 28 against Gulf South Conference East Division foe West Georgia.