SEARCY, Ark. — No. 15 Harding held East Central without a 3-pointer and dominated the fourth quarter to rally for a 59-52 victory Saturday afternoon at the Rhodes-Reaves Field House.

Trailing 43-38 entering the final period, the Lady Bisons (14-2, 8-2 Great American Conference) outscored the Tigers 21-9 over the final 10 minutes to extend their winning streak to six games.

With the victory, combined with Northwestern Oklahoma State's loss at Southern Arkansas, Harding moved into a three-way tie for first place in the GAC standings alongside Northwestern and Arkansas Tech.

Harding's defense was the story, holding East Central (7-7, 3-7) to 0-of-10 shooting from 3-point range. It marked the first time since Feb. 2, 2023, against Southeastern Oklahoma that a Harding opponent failed to make a 3-pointer.

Despite the perimeter defense, East Central controlled the interior for much of the game, outscoring Harding 44-26 in the paint and holding a 26-26 tie at halftime. The Tigers used an 11-0 run to close the third quarter, turning a four-point deficit into a five-point lead heading into the fourth.

Harding reclaimed the lead for good midway through the fourth quarter. Trailing 45-44, Allie Rehl hit a jumper, and Josie Williams followed with a pull-up jumper to put the Lady Bisons ahead 48-45.

Clinging to a 52-48 lead in the final minute, Harding got a crucial defensive stop that led to the play of the game. Rehl delivered an entry pass to freshman Alli McAda, who converted a layup while being fouled with 43 seconds remaining. McAda hit the free throw to complete the three-point play, giving Harding a commanding 55-48 advantage.

Josie Williams and Rehl combined to hit 4-of-4 free throws in the final 30 seconds to seal the win.

Williams and Maddi Holt led Harding with 14 points each. Holt added a career-high nine rebounds, helping Harding keep pace on the boards against a physical Tigers frontcourt. McAda finished with 12 points and five rebounds, while Rehl added 11 points off the bench.

Katie Edelen led East Central with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

The win was Harding's 13th consecutive victory over East Central and improved their record to 16-1 all-time against the Tigers in Searcy. It also marked Harding's first win of the season when scoring fewer than 60 points.

Harding returns to action Thursday for a first-place showdown against Arkansas Tech. Tipoff at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.