MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Great American Conference leader Southern Arkansas held off a late Harding rally to defeat the Bisons 70-66 Saturday at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center.

Southern Arkansas won its eighth straight, the longest streak by the Muleriders since a 10-game winning streak in 1989-90, and improved to 14-2 overall and 9-1 in conference. Harding dropped to 5-11 overall and 3-7 in the GAC.

Southern Arkansas held its largest lead of the game at 55-41 with 10:55 left. Harding responded with a 13-3 run to close the gap to 58-54. The Bisons made eight of their last 10 shots and got as close as three points three times in the last 2:06. The Muleriders made just enough free throws down the stretch to maintain a lead.

Harding made 12 3-pointers, one off the team's season high, but struggled to contain Southern Arkansas in the post. The Muleriders outscored the Bisons 38-18 in the lane.

JV Long led Harding with 19 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals. It is the second time this season he has led the Bisons in all four categories in the same game. Romen Martin had 15 points, and Gabriel Divic added 12.

Wesley Nosakhare led Southern Arkansas with 14 points. Draylan Perkins and Aaron Lucas had 11 points each.

Harding led 15-9 early, but Southern Arkansas went on a 15-2 run to take a 24-17 lead with 5:48 left. Harding answered with a 7-0 run to tie the game 24-24. The score was tied three more times in the half, including 33-33 at the break.

Both teams shot 50 percent in the first half and both finished at 47 percent (24 of 51) for the game.

Harding's next action is Thursday at Northwestern Oklahoma in Alva.