Game Notes

SEARCY – The Harding women's basketball team will play their second of three games this week on Thursday as they host Arkansas-Monticello in Great American Conference action at 5:30 p.m., at the Rhodes Field House. The Lady Bisons head into the game with an 11-5 overall record and 4-2 GAC record.

Harding is coming off a 77-69 win at No. 9 Arkansas Tech on Monday night. The win by HU snapped an ATU 42 game home winning streak. It was the longest active winning streak in NCAA Division II. The win was the first time the Lady Bisons have defeated the Golden Suns in Russellville. HU's last win against ATU was in 2009 as the Lady Bisons defeated the Golden Suns 80-48 in Searcy.

Harding has won their last two conference games. The Lady Bisons also defeated Southeastern Oklahoma State 60-56 in Searcy last Saturday.

During the win streak, HU is averaging 17.5 assists per game. Before the streak, HU was averaging 13.7 assists per game.

HU is led by senior guard Sierra Rollins who averages 15.8 points (third in the GAC) and 9.7 rebounds per game (first in the GAC).  Sophomore forward Kristen Celsor has really come on as of late, averaging 22.5 points for the Lady Bisons in the last two games. Celsor led Harding in scoring against ATU on Monday with a career-high 27 points.

Harding ranks first in the GAC in scoring defense (58.8) and assist-to-turnover margin (0.8). HU is second in the conference in two other categories – 3-point field goal Made (6.2) and rebounding margin (+7.0).

Arkansas-Monticello heads into Thursday with a 5-11 overall record and 1-5 record in the GAC. The Cotton Blossoms picked up their first conference win Monday as they defeated Southern Arkansas 73-68 in Magnolia, Ark. Before the win, UAM lost seven straight.

UAM has two players that average double-figure scoring. Chelsea Johnson leads the way, averaging 14.0 points per game. Alex Hart, who missed eight games due to injury, averages 13.4 points per game.  Channon Haywood leads the Cotton Blossoms on the boards, averaging 6.2 rebounds a game.

Arkansas-Monticello leads the series between the two teams 29-23. Harding has won the last four meetings. In Searcy, the series is tied at 13.

Check hardingsports.com under the Bisons event calendar for links to live stats, live audio and free live video.