SEARCY, Ark. — Keyln McBride became Harding's all-time leader in 3-pointers and the Bisons secured their second consecutive 20-win season with an 85-64 victory over Arkansas-Monticello on Thursday night at Rhodes-Reaves Field House.
On a night dedicated to four departing seniors, McBride provided the highlight of the season. With 1:06 remaining in the first half, the senior guard drained a triple from the top of the key for his 242nd career 3-pointer, surpassing the school record previously held by Harding legend Will Francis.
The victory improved Harding to 20-7 overall and 16-5 in the Great American Conference. It marks the first time in 30 years—and only the second time in program history—that the Bisons have recorded back-to-back 20-win campaigns.
Harding wasted little time asserting dominance. After an opening bucket by UAM, the Bisons ignited a 12-0 run. The lead swelled to 41-20 late in the first half, punctuated by a spectacular sequence where McBride threw an alley-oop off the backboard to fellow senior Wesley Booker for a fast-break slam, followed immediately by McBride's record-breaking 3-pointer.
The Boll Weevils (10-17, 6-15 GAC) threatened briefly in the second half, using a 9-0 run to trim a 18-point deficit to 49-40 with 14:24 remaining. However, Thompson Camara answered with a 3-pointer out of a timeout to spark a 17-2 Harding surge that put the game out of reach.
McBride and Reggie Webster led the Bisons with 18 points apiece, combining for eight of the team's 11 3-pointers. Camara added 11 points, while Marko Rangan recorded his first double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Harding dominated the glass, out-rebounding UAM 41-26.
Ashton Price led Arkansas-Monticello with a game-high 26 points, including 13-of-16 from the free-throw line, but the Boll Weevils struggled from deep, shooting just 23.5% (4-of-17) for the game.
Following the final whistle, the program honored McBride, Booker, Camara, and Corban Mora in a senior night ceremony. The win marked Harding's fourth straight victory over UAM and secured back-to-back season sweeps over the Boll Weevils for the first time since 1999.
Harding will be either the No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the upcoming GAC Tournament depending on Saturday's results. The Bisons conclude the regular season Saturday at Henderson State.
