Box Score

SEARCY – The Harding women's basketball team held Arkansas-Monticello to five second-half field goals and defeated the Cotton Blossoms 52-40 in Gulf South Conference action on Monday night. It was the fourth straight win for the Lady Bisons as they improved to 13-4 overall and 4-1 in the GSC West Division.

After leading 27-26 at halftime, Harding came out in the second half on a 5-0 run. The Lady Bisons didn't allow the Cotton Blossoms to make a field goal until the 13:58 mark when Alex Hart hit her only 3-pointer to cut the Harding lead to 32-31.  Harding extended their lead in the next eight minutes of play with a 13-0 run, taking their largest lead, 45-31, with 5:25 left to play. Arkansas-Monticello tried to mount a rally but HU made 7-of-8 free throws to seal the victory.

Harding had two players that ended with double-doubles. Junior guard Sierra Rollins had 15 points and 10 rebounds, and senior guard Bailey St. Clair had 12 points and 11 rebounds.

The Lady Bisons grabbed 51 rebounds, their highest total in GSC play this season. It was the third time this season Harding has had over 50 rebounds in a game. Of the 51 rebounds, 21 of them were offensive rebounds. The Lady Bisons capitalized on second chance opportunities, turning them into 19 points. Arkansas-Monticello had 24 total rebounds but no second-chance points.

Both teams shot poorly in the game. Harding made 17-of-56 shots (30.4 percent), including 3-of-17 from behind the 3-point line. Arkansas-Monticello made 15-of-44 shots (34.1 percent) and also shot 3-of-17 from behind the 3-point line.

Arkansas-Monticello was led by junior forward Channon Haywood who had 12 points and six rebounds. Junior guard Alex Hart had 11 points.

Harding will be back in action Thursday as the team travels to Russellville, Ark., to face No. 2 Arkansas Tech at 5:30 p.m.