ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Harding made a season-high 14 3-pointers and shot 52% from the field, but Ouachita Baptist controlled the paint and took advantage of 21 Bison turnovers to defeat Harding 78-74 Saturday in Great American Conference action at Vining Arena.

Harding (2-3, 2-3) lost its third straight, playing with nine available players due to COVID protocols. Ouachita Baptist (1-2, 1-2) missed its last four games due to COVID protocols but returned to pick up a win in its first home game of the season.

"Ouachita came out and played with a ton of energy," Harding head coach Jeff Morgan said. "We had a sluggish start, which is not characteristic of how we have been playing recently."

In a game that was close throughout, Ouachita took a 73-72 lead with 1:00 left on a DJ Kane layup. Harding had a chance to retake the lead, but Ouachita capitalized on a Bison turnover with Kendarious Smith hitting a put-back layup and a free throw to take a 76-72 lead with 21 seconds left.

Harding's Davis Morgan hit a jumper with eight seconds remaining, but two more free throws from Smith sealed the victory.

Ramiro Santiago led Harding with 22 points. He shot 9 of 12 from the field and made two 3-pointers. Romio Harvey and Jordan West both made four 3-pointers and had 16 points each.

Ouachita Baptist outscored Harding 40-20 in the paint and 23-12 off turnovers. Deaveon Bankston, who had six total points in Ouachita's first two games, led the Tigers with 17.

Harding overcame an early nine-point deficit with a late rally to tie the game 29-29 at halftime. Ouachita shot only 37% in the first half, missing 12 of 14 3-point attempts. Harding shot 42% with Santiago leading the way with 10 points.

Harding's next scheduled game is Monday at home against Arkansas Tech.