Box Score
Photo Gallery
Harding: Kristen Celsor – 25 points and 13 rebounds
Harding: Arielle Saunders – 14 points and 15 rebounds
Southwestern Oklahoma: Michelle Fisher – 29 points
Southwestern Oklahoma: Taryn Sayama – 26 points
SEARCY – Senior forward Kristen Celsor scored 25 points and had 13 rebounds to lead the No. 6 Harding women's basketball team over Southwestern Oklahoma 89-74 on Saturday in Great American Conference action. The Lady Bisons improved to 21-1 overall and 13-1 in the GAC.
It was Harding's 14th straight home win dating back to last season. It is the second longest winning streak at home in school history. Harding won 16 straight from 1995-96.
It was Celsor's eighth double-double of the season and the 15th in her career. Celsor needed two rebounds before the game to get to 700 in her career. She now ranks seventh all-time at Harding with 711.
Junior forward Arielle Saunders had 14 points and tied a season high with 15 rebounds. It was the fifth time this season she has had 15 rebounds.
Harding had 56 rebounds in the game, tying for eighth in a Harding single game. The Lady Bisons had 21 offensive rebounds, led by Saunders who tied a season-high with seven. Southwestern Oklahoma had only 36 rebounds.
"The boards are a key of ours every game," Harding head coach Tim Kirby said. "You win by 20 rebounds today and that's a huge key to getting a win. I thought our offensive rebounding wore the other team down both physically and mentally."
Southwestern Oklahoma led 16-14 with 12:23 left in the first half on a 3-pointer by senior guard Sarina Sayama. Harding answered back with a 3-pointer by Celsor. Harding didn't give up the lead the rest of the way and led by as many as 22. The Lady Bulldogs cut the lead to 10 with one minute left in game on two free throws by senior guard Michelle Fisher. The Lady Bisons hit five of six free throws in the final minute to seal the victory.
Southwestern Oklahoma (12-8, 9-5 GAC) was led by Fisher who had 29 points, hitting eight field goals and making 10-of-10 free throws. Senior guard Taryn Sayama made three 3-pointers and finished with 26 points.
Harding had 21 assists in the game led by Saunders with six. It was the third straight game the Lady Bisons have had over 20 assists and the ninth time this season.
Harding will be back in action on Thursday as they head to Arkadelphia, Ark., to face Henderson State at 5:30 p.m., in GAC action.
