MAGNOLIA, Ark. (AP) — The Harding Bisons clinched a 77-66 victory over the Southern Arkansas Muleriders in a Great American Conference men's basketball showdown at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center on Saturday.

Harding's win improves their overall record to 12-12, with a balanced 9-9 record in GAC games, marking the first time since the 2016-17 season that the team has achieved nine conference victories. Harding remained tied for fourth in the conference standings.

In an impressive offensive display, Harding made 11 3-pointers in the first half, highlighted by a remarkable 35-foot buzzer-beater by Sam Smith. The Bisons held a 44-38 lead at halftime, with Brahm Harris leading the charge with 14 points, fueled by three 3-pointers.

The team continued their sharpshooting in the second half, setting a season-high mark of 16 made 3-pointers, with contributions from six different players.

Off the bench, Brahm Harris led Harding's scoring efforts with 19 points, connecting on 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Sam Smith added 16 points to the scoreboard, while Sam Henderson and Rylie Marshall each chipped in 14 points, with Henderson displaying flawless shooting, going 5-of-5 from the field, including a perfect 4-of-4 from 3-point range.

Looking ahead, Harding's next challenge awaits on Thursday against Northwestern Oklahoma in Alva, Oklahoma.