MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Harding women's basketball won its fifth straight and moved to within one-half game of the lead in the Great American Conference with a 78-61 victory over Southern Arkansas on Saturday at Watson Athletic Center.

Harding improved to 14-5 overall and 7-2 in conference play. The Lady Bisons trail only Southwestern Oklahoma State (8-2) in the GAC standings.

Southern Arkansas lost its third straight overall and fifth straight to Harding and fell to 2-18 overall and 2-8 in conference.

The Lady Bisons dominated the game in the paint. Harding outscored Southern Arkansas 38-18 inside and had a 43-31 rebound advantage.

Sophomore Kristen Celsor scored a game-high 22 points, shooting 8-of-11 from the field. It was her third 20-point game of the season. Freshman Montana Lewis had 18 points, and senior Kallie Bartee made three of Harding's five 3-pointers and finished with 13 points. Freshman Arielle Saunders had 11 points and 10 rebounds for her second double-double.

Harding shot 52 percent in both halves and led 42-27 at the break.

Southern Arkansas made a season-high nine 3-pointers for the second straight game. Shenelda Levingston led the Lady Riders with 18 points, and Shanece Black made four 3-pointers and had 14 points.

Harding's next three games are at Rhodes Field House in Searcy, beginning Thursday against East Central. Tipoff is at 5:30 p.m.