SEARCY – The Harding women's basketball team begins a three-game home stand on Thursday as they host East Central in Great American Conference action at 5:30 p.m., at the Rhodes Field House. The Lady Bisons will be wearing pink jerseys for “Think Pink Night.” The first 400 fans will receive a free t-shirt.

HU is participating in the Women's Basketball Coaches Associations Play 4Kay week to raise money for breast cancer research. Fans will have the opportunity to give to Kay Yow Cancer Fund before and after the game. Clink Here for more information on Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

Harding (14-5, 7-2 GAC) started the second half of the conference schedule last Saturday as they traveled to Southern Arkansas. The Lady Bisons defeated the Lady Muleriders 78-61 to extend their winning streak to five games.

During the five-game winning streak, Harding is shooting 47.2 percent from the field and averaging 6.4 3-pointers a game. Three Lady Bisons are shooting over 50 percent from the field – Arielle Saunders (58.1), Kristen Celsor (51.6) and Montana Lewis (51.4). HU is also averaging 17.6 assists per game. Before the streak, HU was averaging 13.7 assists per game. Harding is also averaging 4.0 blocks per game.

HU is led by senior guard Sierra Rollins who averages 15.1 points (third in the GAC) and 9.2 rebounds (second in the GAC).  Sophomore forward Kristen Celsor is also averaging double-figure scoring with 11.7 points per game. Celsor has stepped up her game during the streak. She has led the Lady Bisons in scoring four of the five games, including three games with 20 or more points.

Harding ranks first in the GAC in four categories - scoring defense (57.6), field goal percentage defense (35.8), blocked shots (3.8) and assist-to-turnover margin (0.9). HU is second in the conference in two other categories – scoring margin (11.2) and rebounding margin (+7.6).

East Central heads into the game with a 6-14 overall record and a 4-6 GAC record after winning their last two conference games over Ouachita Baptist (77-72) and Henderson State (79-66). The Lady Tigers are 1-8 on the road this season. Their only road win came at Arkansas-Monticello. ECU defeated UAM 75-67.

The Lady Tigers are led by Lindsay McCown who averages 10.5 points per game. Ashley Robison leads ECU on the boards, averaging 6.4 rebounds per game.

East Central leads the series between the two teams 4-3. HU defeated ECU 65-49 earlier this season in Ada, Okla. Harding won the last meeting in Searcy 95-82.

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