SEARCY – Harding sophomore Kristen Celsor scored 21 points and had 10 rebounds, and the Lady Bisons defeated Arkansas-Monticello 67-44 in Great American Conference action at Rhodes Field House.

Harding (12-5, 5-2 GAC), who came into the game with the conference's top defense, held Arkansas-Monticello scoreless for over nine minutes in the second half and went on a 24-0 run during the stretch to pull away.

Harding led 28-22 at halftime, but Arkansas-Monticello (5-12, 1-7 GAC) closed to 34-32 with 14:49 left on two Alex Hart free throws. The Lady Bisons answered with a 3-pointer by senior Kallie Bartee and a layup by Celsor.

Senior Taylor Clark made a jumper for UAM to cut the Harding lead to 39-34 at the 12:08 mark. The Cotton Blossoms did not score again until the Lady Bisons held a 63-34 advantage with 2:51 left.

Harding shot 56 percent from the field in the second half and made 6-of-9 3-pointers.

Lady Bison freshman Arielle Saunders had 15 points, seven rebounds and four blocked shots.

Catherine Puckett led UAM with 10 points. The Cotton Blossoms shot just 30 percent and made only 3-of-12 from 3-point range.

With the victory, Harding moved into sole possession of second place in the GAC. Southwestern Oklahoma State defeated Southeastern Oklahoma State, 90-85, to remain atop the conference at 7-1.

Harding returns to action Saturday at home against Henderson State. Tipoff at Rhodes Field House is at 5:30 p.m.