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Harding University Athletics

2024-25 wbball vs. Southeastern Okla. - GAC Tournament Finals
52
Southeastern Okla. SE 20-11,15-7 GAC
69
Winner Harding Hard 25-6,18-4 GAC
Southeastern Okla. SE
20-11,15-7 GAC
52
Final
69
Harding Hard
25-6,18-4 GAC
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Southeastern Okla. SE 14 13 10 15 52
Harding Hard 22 10 12 25 69

Game Recap: Women's Basketball |

HU Women Claim Third GAC Tournament Title with Victory over Southeastern Oklahoma

FORT SMITH, Ark. — A subtle jab from a media member early in the tournament has now been corrected. 

Told they had accomplished much in their careers but had never cut down the nets as GAC Tournament champions, Harding and its seniors can now check that off the list. The Lady Bisons captured their third Great American Conference Tournament championship, defeating Southeastern Oklahoma State 69-52 on Sunday.

The Lady Bisons, who also won the title in 2015 and 2017, earned an automatic berth into the NCAA Division II Central Region Tournament.

Sage Hawley led Harding with 19 points and 11 rebounds, her 69th career double-double, while Aubrey Isbell added 18 points. Rory Geer chipped in with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Caitlin Kobiske paced Southeastern Oklahoma with 25 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Harding's balanced attack.

The game was a back-and-forth affair early, with Harding trailing 12-8 midway through the first quarter. However, the Lady Bisons scored the next 12 points, holding Southeastern Oklahoma scoreless for over four minutes, and ended the quarter on a 14-2 run to take a 22-14 lead.

In the second quarter, Harding's offense stalled, shooting just 3 of 10 from the field. Southeastern Oklahoma took advantage, scoring eight straight points to cut the deficit to two. However, Ella Grace Thompson's clutch free throws and a driving layup in the final minute of the half helped Harding maintain a 32-27 lead at halftime.

The third quarter saw Harding use a 7-0 run to end the period and take a 44-37 lead. Aubrey Isbell's 3-pointer from the left wing capped the run, which came after Southeastern Oklahoma had tied the game at 37.

In the fourth quarter, Harding pulled away, closing the game on a 16-2 run over the final five minutes. The Lady Bisons shot 8 of 13 from the field in the quarter and made all eight free throw attempts to seal the 69-52 victory.

Harding, which improved to 25-6, shot 46.2% from the field and held Southeastern Oklahoma to 35.0% shooting.

Southeastern Oklahoma, which fell to 20-11, was outrebounded 42-24.

Hawley earned the tournament's Most Valuable Player award. Isbell, Holt and Williams were on the All-Tournament Team.

The Lady Bisons' championship win marked their third GAC tournament title. They will learn their opponent and tournament location for the NCAA Division II Central Region Tournament tonight at 9:30 p.m. on NCAA.com.
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