WEATHERFORD, Okla. — Josie Williams scored 20 points and the No. 15 Harding Lady Bisons dominated the glass to secure a 63-58 victory over Southwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday afternoon at the Pioneer Event Center.

With the win, and following Arkansas Tech's overtime victory over Northwestern Oklahoma, Harding (16-3, 10-3 GAC) moves into a tie with the Golden Suns for first place in the Great American Conference standings.

Harding established an early presence inside, using an 11-0 run in the first quarter to erase an early deficit and take a 17-9 lead. The Lady Bisons relied heavily on high-percentage looks, outscoring the Lady Bulldogs 30-18 in the paint. However, SWOSU remained competitive through a barrage of 3-pointers, connecting on 10 shots from deep.

The momentum shifted in the fourth quarter when SWOSU briefly claimed a 50-48 lead. Williams, who recorded back-to-back 20-point games for the first time in her career, responded immediately with a clutch 3-pointer to regain the lead. Harding's defense clamped down in the final minutes, limiting SWOSU's clean looks.

The Lady Bisons' dominance on the boards proved to be the deciding factor, as they out-rebounded the Lady Bulldogs 44-33. Harding's 19 offensive rebounds led to 17 second-chance points. Alli McAda added 16 points and nine rebounds, while Kori Sanders played the full 40 minutes, hitting two pressure-packed free throws in the final minute to ice the game.

The battle for GAC supremacy continues in Searcy this week. Harding begins a critical four-game home stand Thursday against Oklahoma Baptist at the Rhodes-Reaves Field House.