Box Score

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Harding went without a field goal for a 15-minute stretch and suffered an 85-55 loss to Arkansas Tech at Tucker Coliseum on Thursday. The Bisons entered the game ranked 19th nationally, while the Wonder Boys were ranked 23rd.

Harding (15-3, 5-1) lost for only the third time this season, but both of the previous two losses were only by two points. The loss snapped a six-game winning streak overall for the Bisons and a five-game road winning streak.

Arkansas Tech (14-3, 5-0) moved to first place in the Gulf South Conference West Division with the win. It was the 13th straight home conference win for the Wonder Boys.

Harding led 26-22 with 8:07 left in the first half when Kevin Brown tipped in a missed shot. The Bisons did not make a shot the rest of the first half, and Arkansas Tech scored 17 straight points to take a 40-28 lead at halftime.

The Bison offense remained stagnant to open the second half. Harding's first field goal came at 12:59 on a Kevin Brown layup. Arkansas Tech had turned its 12-point lead into a 19-point margin by that time. The Wonder Boys closed the game on a 10-0 run.

Johnie Davis led all scorers with 26 points for Arkansas Tech. Senior Laithe Massey recorded Tech's second-ever triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

Kevin Brown led Harding with 17 points.

Harding committed 26 turnovers, tied for the most in a game this season. Arkansas Tech held a 31-8 advantage off turnovers and 38-18 in the paint. The Wonder Boys, the GSC's top defensive squad, had 16 steals.

Arkansas Tech shot 49 percent from the field. Harding shot just 39 percent.

Harding will return to action Saturday at the Rhodes Field House when it meets Henderson State at 7:30 p.m.