SEARCY – Harding had two players with 20 points or more in a game for the first time this season and the Bisons defeated North Alabama 84-76 in non-conference action Monday at the Rhodes Field House. Harding's next contest comes Thursday in a crucial Gulf South Conference West Division meeting with Delta State that could determine Harding's fate for the GSC Tournament.

Harding junior Stephen Blake connected on 11-of-12 free throws and tied his career high with 22 points. Sophomore Kirk Porter scored 20, hitting 8-of-11 from the field.

Harding (14-11) shot 48 percent from the field in the first half and led 36-27 at the break. The Bisons maintained the lead in the second half until North Alabama (12-13) went on an 8-0 run and tied the game at 49-all on two free throws by Jared Strode with 11:20 left.

The Bisons scored the next eight points on a Porter layup and three-pointers by Blake and Trent Morgan and led 57-49 with 8:37 left. Harding's lead was at least six points the rest of the way.

Morgan added 18 points for Harding, connecting on four three-pointers and 6-of-7 free throws. He also had eight rebounds and six assists. Redshirt freshman Bradley Spencer dropped in 12 points and dished out eight assists. Kevin Brown led Harding on the glass with 11 rebounds, as the Bisons outrebounded the Lions 41-22.

Senior Jared Strode, the GSC's leading scorer entering the game, scored a team-high 22 points for North Alabama. Junior Daviel Clements made five three-pointers and finished with 21 points.

Harding enters Thursday's game with Delta State tied with Christian Brothers for the fourth and final tournament spot in the West Division. Both teams have two games remaining.