Box Score

FLORENCE, Ala. - Junior guard Sierra Rollins had 20 points and eight rebounds as the Harding women's basketball team defeated North Alabama 65-59 in the final non-conference game before Gulf South Conference play begins this weekend. With the win, the Lady Bisons improved to 9-3 on the season.

Rollins hit 7-of-12 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free throw line for the Lady Bisons. Harding had great productivity off the bench in the game scoring 35 of the Lady Bisons 65 points. Junior forward Cherilyn McMenamy came off the bench and had 15 points, hitting 5-of-6 from the field and was perfect from the free throw line, hitting 4-of-4. Senior guard Danielle Reiher also came off the bench and finished with 11 points.

Back-to-back 3-pointers by the Lions (8-5) with 6:46 remaining in the game found the Lady Bisons down by seven. Harding battled back, as they went on a 13-2 run in the next five minutes to take a 62-58 lead. North Alabama's rally fell short as senior guard Bailey St. Clair put the game out of reach on two made free throws for Harding.

The Lady Bisons shot over 50 percent for the first time this season, hitting 21-of-42 shots, including seven 3-pointers.

Harding forced 18 North Alabama turnovers on 14 steals. Freshman guard Michaela Brown led the Lady Bisons with a career-high four steals.

Sanqueeta Meardith led the Lions with 16 points. Lacy Lewis and Jessi Smith also ended in double-figures scoring 11 points apiece for North Alabama.

Harding will open GSC play on Saturday as they host Ouachita Baptist at 5:30 p.m., at the Rhodes Field House.