Box Score
Harding: Kristen Celsor – tied a career-high 33 points and 11 rebounds
Harding: Taylor Longley – 11 points and 4 rebounds
Harding: Shana Holmes – 11 points
Central Missouri: BreAnna Lewis – 20 points
SEARCY – Senior forward Kristen Celsor scored 33 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Harding women's basketball team over fifth-ranked Central Missouri 96-67 on Friday in non-conference action at the Rhodes Field House. The Lady Bisons improved to 6-0 on the season.
It's the fourth time Harding has started the season 6-0. The last was in 2008-09 when the Lady Bisons started the season 12-0.
Harding's win was only the second win against a top five ranked opponent. It was also the most points scored against a ranked opponent.
It was Celsor's third double-double of the season and 10th of her career. It was also the second time this season she has scored over 30 points in a game and the third in her career.
Junior guard Shana Holmes hit two 3-pointers and was a perfect 3-of-3 from the free throw line to finish with 11 points. Freshman guard Taylor Longley came off the bench and was perfect from behind the 3-point line hitting 3-of-3 and scored a career-high 11 points.
The game was close in the opening minutes of the first half until Harding went on a 14-1 run to take a 26-11 lead. During the run, the Lady Bisons held Central Missouri to 0-4 shooting from the field and forced six turnovers. Harding extended its lead to as much as 24 with 2:10 left in the half when Celsor converted a 3-point play. The Lady Bisons held the Jennies to 9-of-29 from the field and 4-of-12 from behind the 3-point line in the first half. Harding also had six steals and 26 rebounds.
Central Missouri quickly cut the Harding to 15 (50-35) in first minutes of the second half on a 6-2 run. The Lady Bisons quickly bounced back on a 3-pointer by Celsor. Harding didn't allow the Jennies to get any closer the rest of the way.
It was Central Missouri's first loss of the season as they fall to 5-1.
The Jennies were led by senior guard BreAnna Lewis who hit five 3-pointers and finished with 20 points. Harding held Central Missouri's leading scorer Keuna Flax (22.4 ppg) to only 12 points.
Harding outrebounded Central Missouri 41-37. The Lady Bisons have tied or outrebounded their opponent in every game this season.
Harding will continue Great American Conference action on Thursday, Dec. 5 as they host East Central at 5:30 p.m., at the Rhodes Field House.
