Showdown in Searcy: No. 14 Harding Hosts No. 9 Arkansas Tech

Harding could tie Arkansas Tech for GSC West lead with a win

Sam Brown is one of four seniors to be honored Thursday night.

SEARCY, Ark. – The 14th-ranked Harding men's basketball will take on ninth-ranked Arkansas Tech in a battle of the top two teams in the Gulf South Conference West Division on Thursday at the Rhodes Field House. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

The game will be broadcast live in Searcy on KVHU 95.3-FM. Live video, live audio and live stats will be available on HardingSports.com.

Harding enters the game 21-3 overall, its best-ever 24-game start and only the fourth 20-win season for a Bison team. Harding last won 21 games in 2002-03 (21-9) and also had 20-win seasons in 1994-95 (22-10) and 1995-96 (24-6). The Bisons are 11-1 in the Gulf South Conference West Division, just one game behind division leader Arkansas Tech. Harding has won its last six games.

The Bisons are coming off a 62-43 victory over Christian Brothers on Saturday in Searcy. It was the fewest points Harding has ever allowed in a GSC game. The Bisons outscored the Bucs 44-15 in the second half after trailing by 10 points at halftime. Kevin Brown led Harding in scoring with 22 points, and Stephen Blake added 16, making all 10 of his free throw attempts.

Thursday's game is the final home game this season. Harding will honor its four seniors—Stephen Blake, Sam Brown, Kevin Brown and Matt Ragsdale in a ceremony after the game.

Arkansas Tech enters the game 21-3 as well and is a perfect 12-0 in the GSC West. The Wonder Boys have won 15 straight games, including seven straight road games.

Arkansas Tech is coming off a 90-59 victory over Delta State on Saturday in Russellville. The Wonder Boys won the first meeting between Harding and Arkansas Tech, 85-55, in Russellville on Jan. 27.

Print Friendly Version