The Bisons and Lady Bisons basketball teams opened up a three game home stand starting Thursday night against Southern Nazarene University. Heading into last night’s game, the men’s team was sitting in fourth place in the Great American Conference with a conference record of 6-5 and an overall record of 9-8. The women’s team has also found success on the court, as they have only lost one conference game so far this season. The Lady Bisons are 10-1 in GAC play, 18-1 overall, and ranked eighth in the country in Division II.
Senior guard Weston Jameson said this year has been a learning experience for both teams, and he is grateful for what he has learned this season.
“Things are never as good as it seems or as bad as it seems, but reality falls somewhere in the middle,” Jameson said. “Chemistry is really critical to the success of a team.”
According to senior forward Kristen Celsor, the team continues to grow stronger after every game.
“The most valuable lesson that I have learned this season is that you’re not going to be handed anything,” Celsor said. “We have to go out there and battle every single game, because everyone we play is a college basketball team and wants to win just as badly as we do.”
Jameson said despite what lessons the team has learned, the season is not over yet. The Bisons must continue to push forward and end the season on a high note.
“All of our goals are still in front of us,” Jameson said. “We want to win conference and make a run in the NCAA tournament. A conference championship is on the line. That is all the motivation we need.”
The women are also looking to make an appearance in the NCAA tournament. With the tournament just two months away, Celsor said their sights are set on working hard.
“We have to stay focused,” Celsor said. “However, we are very aware that it takes more than just stepping onto the court to accomplish any goals.”
According to Celsor, success on the court takes a back seat to the team’s goal of glorifying God on and off the court.
“I want our team to be remembered for how we carry ourselves and represent Harding,” Celsor said. “I would hope that we represent Christ and show good sportsmanship in everything we do, no matter the turnout. At the end of the day, I want our team to be remembered for glorifying God through our successes and our potential failures this season.”
After last night’s game against Southern Nazarene University, both teams will play at home Feb. 6 against the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rowdy Rangers. Then the Bisons and Lady Bisons will round up their three-game homestand against the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Bulldogs on Feb. 8.
