Box Score
Photo Gallery
Harding: Kristen Celsor – 21 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks and 3 steal
Harding: Shana Holmes – 13 points
Harding: Arielle Saunders – 12 points
Arkansas-Monticello: Jordan Goforth – 19 points
SEARCY – The fourth-ranked Harding women's basketball team defeated Arkansas-Monticello 84-54 on Saturday in Great American Conference action at the Rhodes Field House. The Lady Bisons improved to 25-1 and 17-1 in the GAC.
With the win, the Lady Bisons won their 16th straight home game dating back to last season which ties the Harding record. The Lady Bisons won 16 straight from the 1995-96.
Senior forward Kristen Celsor led Harding with 21 points and tied a career high with 15 rebounds to capture her 10th double-double of the season. Celsor scored 17 points and had 11 rebounds in the first half.
"We knew we had a size advantage on them and Kristen had a great first half," head coach Tim Kirby said. "She did some good things in every aspect of the game. She gave us a really energetic first half."
Harding led the whole way but Arkansas-Monticello hung around in the first 11 minutes of the game. In the last nine minutes of the second half, Harding outscored the Cotton Blossoms 17-8 to take a 39-25 lead into halftime. Harding put the game out of reach in the first five minutes of the second half as the Lady Bisons went on a 10-0 run, led by junior guard Shana Holmes who scored eight points.
"I was pleased with the way we started the half both offensively and defensively," Kirby said. "I thought we had a lot of energy for the entire half."
Junior guard Shana Holmes had 13 points for Harding, making two 3-pointers. Junior forward Arielle Saunders shot 6-of-8 from the field and ended with 12 points. Saunders also had two blocks.
Arkansas-Monticello (6-18, 2-16 GAC) was led by sophomore forward Jordan Goforth who had 19 points.
Harding outrebounded the Cotton Blossoms 42-25. The Lady Bisons had 18 offensive boards, led by Celsor who had six.
Harding scored 56 points in the paint to Arkansas-Monticello's 20. The Lady Bisons also forced 22 turnovers and turned them into 28 points.
The Lady Bisons will be back in action on Thursday as they play their final home game of the season. Harding will host Arkansas Tech at 5:30 p.m., at the Rhodes Field House on senior night.
