ALVA, Okla. – Junior Josie Williams scored a season-high 24 points and No. 15 Harding utilized a historic shooting display in the final period to overcome a late deficit and defeat No. 24 Northwestern Oklahoma State, 58-51, on Thursday night at Percefull Fieldhouse.

With the victory, Harding (15-3, 9-3 GAC) moved into a three-way tie for first place in the Great American Conference standings alongside the Lady Rangers and Arkansas Tech.

Trailing 38-32 early in the fourth quarter, the Lady Bisons ignited for 26 points in the final frame. Harding shot a searing 80 percent (8-of-10) from the floor in the period, including a 5-of-6 mark from 3-point range. It marked the first time the Lady Bisons have connected on five triples in a fourth quarter since Jan. 30, 2021.

Williams, whose 24 points were just two shy of her career high, was the catalyst. She knocked down two of her four 3-pointers in the final five minutes as Harding outscored the Lady Rangers 15-8 down the stretch.

The game lived up to its billing as a defensive slug fest early on. The teams were deadlocked at 11-11 after a physical first quarter in which the Lady Rangers (14-4, 9-3 GAC) dominated the paint 10-2. Harding managed to carry a 25-22 lead into the locker room at halftime despite only three players—Williams, Allie Rehl, and Sanders—finding the score sheet.

Northwestern Oklahoma, which entered the game ranked 16th nationally in scoring defense, regained the lead in the third quarter by holding Harding to just seven points on 23 percent shooting. Kira Bass led the Lady Rangers with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Camille Pritchard added 11.

However, the Lady Bisons' perimeter execution proved to be the equalizer. While Northwestern Oklahoma outscored Harding 24-16 in the paint and 19-3 on second-chance points, the Lady Bisons countered with 10 made 3-pointers to just three for the hosts. It was the second time this season Harding has made double-digit triples on the road against a nationally ranked opponent.

Kori Sanders provided 11 points and a game-high six assists, marking her eighth game this season with at least five dishes. Allie Rehl added 13 points off the bench, including 6-of-8 from the free-throw line to help ice the game.

Harding, which leads the all-time series 25-5, secured its second consecutive win in Alva and its first road victory over a ranked GAC opponent since 2017 (Arkansas Tech).

The Lady Bisons return to action on Saturday as they continue their Oklahoma road swing at Southwestern Oklahoma in Weatherford.