RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas Tech used a blistering fourth-quarter shooting performance and a decisive 15-0 second-half run to hand No. 12 Harding its first road loss of the season, 84-69, on Thursday night at Tucker Coliseum.

The loss snaps a six-game road winning streak for the Lady Bisons (14-3, 8-3 GAC) and drops them into a third-place tie in the Great American Conference standings, one game behind co-leaders Northwestern Oklahoma and Arkansas Tech.

Harding junior Maddi Holt scored a career-high 22 points, including 16 in a dominant first half that saw the Lady Bisons lead by as many as 16 points. However, the Golden Suns (13-2, 9-2 GAC) found their rhythm late, shooting a staggering 80 percent (8-of-10) from the floor in the final period to pull away.

The Lady Bisons appeared in total control early. Following a four-minute Tech scoring drought in the first quarter, Harding used an 8-0 run to build a 22-13 lead. The momentum continued into the second frame as Holt connected on a 3-pointer to extend the cushion to 32-16 with 6:44 remaining in the half.

Harding led 41-31 at the break, bolstered by a defensive effort that held Tech to just 23 percent shooting in the opening quarter. Freshman center Kennedy Stout was a force in the paint early, recording eight points and four of Harding's seven total blocks in the first 20 minutes.

The game shifted violently in the third quarter. Arkansas Tech opened the half on a 13-0 run, taking its first lead of the game at 42-41 on a layup with 5:56 left in the period. Harding, meanwhile, missed its first seven shots of the half and committed five turnovers before Holt ended the drought with a layup at the 3:53 mark.

The two rivals traded blows for the remainder of the third, with Harding briefly regaining a 51-49 lead on a jumper by Allie Rehl. A late free throw by Kori Sanders sent the game into the final quarter knotted at 52-52.

The fourth quarter belonged to the Golden Suns. With Tech leading 63-60, the hosts ignited an 11-0 run that pushed the lead to double digits. Tech made seven consecutive field goals during the stretch, outscoring Harding 32-17 in the final ten minutes.

Jadah Pickens led five Golden Suns in double figures with 18 points, while Dessie McCarty dominated the glass with 13 rebounds.

Harding's Josie Williams added 12 points and six rebounds in the loss, and Stout finished with 12 points and five boards. The Lady Bisons struggled from distance in the second half, finishing the game 4-of-15 (26.7%) from three-point range.

Harding will look to rebound on Monday as they continue GAC play, now sitting in a tie with Ouachita Baptist for the third spot in the league.