SEARCY – The Harding women's basketball team opened Great American Conference action with a bang on Saturday as they defeated Southern Arkansas 71-37 at the Rhodes Field House. The Lady Bisons improved to 8-3 overall and 1-0 in the GAC.

Harding had three players finish in double-figure scoring. Senior guard Sierra Rollins and freshman guard Montana Lewis each led HU with 14 points. Rollins also had 11 rebounds to capture her sixth double-double of the season. Sophomore forward Kristen Celsor went 5-of-6 from the field and finished with 12 points.

Harding held Southern Arkansas to shooting 12-of-49 from the field (24.5 percent). The Lady Bisons also forced 18 turnovers on 13 steals. Senior guard Kallie Bartee led HU with a career-high six steals.

Harding held Southern Arkansas to only 11 points in the first half. It was the second time this season the Lady Bisons have held their opponent to 11 points in a half. The last time was against Central Baptist earlier this season.

The Lady Bisons outrebounded the Lady Muleriders 48-26. It was the widest rebounding margin this season for HU.

Southern Arkansas (0-12, 0-2 GAC) was led by Shenelda Levingston who had 11 points and grabbed a team-high five rebounds.

Harding is set to play the next three conference games away. The Lady Bisons make their inaugural trip to Oklahoma to face East Central Jan. 12 (5:30 p.m. tip-off). Then HU will take on Southwestern Oklahoma State on Jan. 14th at 2 p.m. Harding then travels to Ouachita Baptist on Jan. 19.