SEARCY, Ark. — Kori Sanders recorded 20 points, a career-high 10 rebounds and six assists to lead No. 11 Harding to a 72-50 victory over No. 25 Arkansas Tech on Thursday night at the Rhodes-Reaves Field House.
The win gives Harding (20-3, 14-3 GAC) sole possession of first place in the Great American Conference standings. The Lady Bisons defense held Arkansas Tech, which entered the game averaging 81.9 points per game, to a season-low point total.
Harding never trailed, jumping out to a 21-10 lead in the first quarter and extending the margin to 20 points by halftime. The Lady Bisons held the Golden Suns (17-4, 13-4 GAC) to just 28.1% shooting for the game, including a 2-for-15 mark in the second quarter.
Sanders became only the fifth player at Harding since 2012 to record at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a single game. She was supported by Myiah Butler, who scored a career-high 14 points off the bench, and Josie Williams, who finished with 11 points and five assists.
Arkansas Tech attempted a comeback in the third quarter, using a 9-2 run to cut the Harding lead to 48-36. However, the Lady Bisons responded with a 17-3 run to open the fourth period, pushing the lead to as many as 25 points.
The Lady Bisons dominated the boards, outrebounding the Golden Suns 47-30 and scoring 16 second-chance points off 17 offensive rebounds. Arkansas Tech failed to have a single player reach double figures in scoring, with Logan Young and Hayleigh Wyrick each finishing with nine points.
The victory marks Harding's sixth straight win and their fifth consecutive home victory over Arkansas Tech. The Lady Bisons, who finished their home stand 4-0, travel to Magnolia to face Southern Arkansas on Saturday at 3 p.m.