Written by Nic Fraraccio
The Harding basketball teams began the Great American Conference (GAC) regular season Nov. 30 at Ouachita Baptist University (OBU), followed by home games Dec. 3 against Southern Arkansas University (SAU).
Both teams kicked off the season with victories against the OBU Tigers. The Lady Bisons displayed strong defense in their 75-55 victory against OBU. Harding held the Tigers to 18 percent from behind the arc.
Lady Bison graduate assistant Lexie Davis said the team’s defensive mindset is similar for every game.
“Coach Kirby wants our girls to be a great defensive and rebounding team,” Davis said. “Hustle plays and effort contribute a lot to our defensive success.”
The men’s team continued their shooting success in their 79-71 comeback victory against the Tigers. As a team, the Bisons shot an efficient 59 percent from three-point range, connecting on 10 three-pointers throughout the game.
Fifth-year guard Sam Henderson said the success from distance is a big part of their offensive scheme.
“If we do the things we are supposed to do, stay in the corners and be patient, we get a lot of open shots,” Henderson said. “That just allowed us to knock them down and shoot a good percentage from the three-point line.”
Both teams continued their success Dec. 3 against the SAU. The Lady Bisons played well on both sides of the ball to earn their 15th straight home victory in a 78-51 victory against the Muleriders.
The streak is tied for the seventh-longest home winning streak in Division II. Senior forward Sage Hawley collected her third career 30-point game with a team-leading 33 points.
Davis said the team continues to grow each game, and it has been exciting to watch the chemistry develop within the team.
“This is just a talented group and we are capable of putting up a lot of wins this season,” Davis said.
The men’s team defeated SAU by a final score of 57-51. With this win, the Bisons snapped a ten-game losing streak against the Muleriders. Harding’s defense forced 17 turnovers during the home victory. Sophomore guard Rylie Marshall led the team in scoring with 17 points.
The teams have continued to gain attention across campus after the undefeated start to the conference season.
Sophomore Sikan Akpanudo said he looks forward to a postseason run after seeing the energy from both teams so far this season.
“All of them have been able to contribute in their own way,” Akpanudo said. “Every person who touches the court is doing something well.”
As the conference season continues, Henderson said he is thankful for the support received from students and fans.
“It just means so much to our team,” Henderson said. “It adds to the level of energy that we play with, and when we see the stands full, it makes it even sweeter to go out there and play as hard as we possibly can.”
Both teams will travel to Monticello Dec. 9 to take on the University of Arkansas-Monticello in conference play.
