Box Score

MONTICELLO, Ark. – Back-to-back plays by senior guard Danielle Reiher propelled the Harding women's basketball team over Arkansas-Monticello 64-58 in Gulf South Conference action on Thursday. The Lady Bisons improved to 16-7 overall and 7-4 in the GSC West Division.

With the win and a Henderson State loss, Harding clinched a berth to the GSC Tournament on March 2-6. The Lady Bisons are currently in fourth place in the West Division.

Reiher hit a jumper with 53 seconds remaining to put Harding on top 62-58. She came up big again on the Cotton Blossoms next possession with a steal to keep the UAM from getting any closer. With 32 second remaining, Arkansas-Monticello was forced to foul. Harding hit 2-of-4 free throws down the stretch to seal the victory. The Lady Bisons didn't allow a Cotton Blossoms field goal in the final six minutes of the game.

Freshman forward Kristen Celsor led Harding, hitting 7-of-12 from the field to finish with 16 points. She also had three blocks for the Lady Bisons. Reiher scored 12 points, shooting 4-of-8 from the field. Junior guard Sierra Rollins captured her ninth double-double of the season, second straight, with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Arkansas-Monticello had four players score double figures, leading the way was Alex Hart who had 14. Chelsea Johnson scored 13, Channon Haywood scored 11 and Jerica Hubbard scored 10 points. Haywood led the Cotton Blossoms on the boards with eight.

Harding outshot Arkansas-Monticello making 23-of-55 shots from the field (41.8 percent). UAM made 20-of-55 shots (36.4 percent).

The Lady Bisons shot 45.5 percent from behind the arc, making 5-of-11, which is the highest by Harding in conference play this season.

HU will be back in action on Saturday as they host Christian Brothers in GSC play at the Rhodes Field House. Tip-off is at 5:30 p.m.