Game Highlights and Postgame Interview with Head Coach Tim Kirby



BARTLESVILLE, Okla. – The No. 1 seed Harding women's basketball team defeated No. 8 seed Southern Arkansas 80-48 on Thursday in the quarterfinals of the Great American Conference Tournament. The Lady Bisons improved to 21-6 overall and will play the No. 5 seed Arkansas-Monticello on Saturday at 2:15 p.m.

It was the seventh time this season Harding has held its opponent to under 50 points.

Harding had 38 bench points in the game and was led by sophomore forward Correy Moyer who had 16 points, including three 3-pointers. Freshman guard Lundon Williams was perfect on the day, making 4-of-4 field goals and 4-of-4 free throws. Three of Williams' four baskets were from behind the arc. Sophomore guard A'ndrea Haney was also perfect in the game, making 4-of-4 from the field, including three 3-pointers.

Senior forward Arielle Saunders, the GAC Player of the Year, captured her 43rd career double-double in the game with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

After leading 31-20 at the half, the Lady Bisons scored 49 points in the second half. Harding shot 48 percent from the field and made eight of its 12 3-pointers. The Lady Bisons 3-pointers tied a season high. The Lady Bisons made as many at Henderson State earlier this season.

Harding held Southern Arkansas to only 15 baskets in the game and didn't give up a 3-pointer until 11:38 left in the second half. Harding's defense also held the Lady Muleriders to shooting 29.4 percent from the field (15-of-51). It was the fourth time this season the Lady Bisons have held their opponents to shooting under 30 percent from the field.

Southern Arkansas finishes its season with a 9-18 record. The Lady Muleriders were led by Rosa Bryant who had 11 points.