SEARCY, Ark. — Maddi Holt scored a game-high 19 points and No. 10 Harding held Delta State without a field goal in the first quarter to power a 64-49 victory Saturday at the Rhodes-Reaves Field House.

The win capped a perfect nonconference slate for Harding (6-0), which relied on a dominant interior performance to remain undefeated. The Lady Bisons outscored Delta State 48-16 in the paint and shot 52.8 percent (28-of-53) from the floor.

Holt finished 8-of-12 from the field and added seven rebounds. Kennedy Stout provided an inside presence for Harding, contributing 14 points on 7-of-11 shooting while blocking three shots.

The game began with a defensive clinic by Harding. The Lady Bisons jumped out to an 18-3 lead after the first quarter, holding the Lady Statesmen (2-3) to 0-of-16 shooting from the field in the opening 10 minutes. Delta State's only first-quarter points came from the free-throw line.

Delta State rallied in the second quarter, utilizing a 21-12 run to cut the deficit to 30-24 at halftime. Kennedee Shelton led the Lady Statesmen with 14 points off the bench on 6-of-7 shooting.

The visitors remained competitive through the third quarter, pulling within 43-40 on a 3-pointer by Madi Kate Vuncannon with 33 seconds left in the period. However, Harding responded in the fourth quarter, outscoring Delta State 19-9 and shooting 75 percent (9-of-12) in the final frame to secure the win.

Allie Rehl added eight points and five assists for Harding, while Kori Sanders chipped in seven points.

Delta State finished the game shooting 31 percent from the field. Olivia Allen added eight points and eight rebounds for the Lady Statesmen but struggled offensively, shooting 2-of-10. Harding controlled the glass, outrebounding Delta State 39-30.

Harding opens Great American Conference play on Thursday, Dec. 6, hosting Southwestern Oklahoma in Searcy.