Both theBisonsand the LadyBisonsbasketball teams are moving onto the NCAA Tournament, which starts this Friday and Saturday. The men’s team won the Great American Conference tournament, beating Henderson State University in double overtimeand receiving a NCAA tournament bid. The women,ranked No. 2,lost their finals matchup to Southwestern Oklahoma State Universitybut still received a bid to the NCAA tournament.
TheBisons, or the “Great Eight” as people around campus call them, won three straight games and won the GACchampionship against HSU 93-86 in double overtime last Sunday.The men made a season-high 16 3-pointers in the championship game, which ultimately gave theBisons the win as sophomore Blake McNair started the second overtime with his sixth 3-pointer of the game.
Senior forward Hayden Johnson said as seniors,you want to go out on a good note, and young guys like McNair and freshman Will Francis helped make that happen forthe seniors.
Senior guard WestonJameson, who won GAC tournament”Most Valuable Player,”averaged 21.7 points pergame over the last three gamesand contributedfiveof the 16 3-pointers made in theconferencefinals against HSU.
“It was just an unbelievable run,” Jamesonsaid. “You just can not ask for anything more exciting than a double overtime championship game.”
TheBisonswent into theconference tournament having losttheir last five regular season games, buttheyfound a way to rally the team together to win three straight and receive a GAC championship in Bartlesville, Okla.
“They played great over the course of three days and I am so proud for them to see all the hard work come to fruition for them at this point in the season,”head coach JeffMorgan said. “(It is) great to be playing basketball in March.”
The No. 8 seed HardingBisonstravel to play at No. 1 seed Minnesota State University,Mankato on March 15.
The No. 2 ranked LadyBisonsplayed Southwest Oklahoma City UniversitySunday night and fell 78-74 in the GAC tournamentfinals. The LadyBisonsled by 13 points with just under nine minutes remaining in the game before SWOSU went on a 23-6 run down the stretch to outscore Harding.
“I think we learned(that)defense plays such a crucial role in the game, and we know that we have to sure up on defense to get wins in this tournament and to reach our goals,” senior KristenCelsorsaid. “Now more than ever, we are ready to get back in the gym to focus and work hard to make sure we are ready for this upcoming first round game.”
This was the LadyBisons’ second loss of the season. They finishedoutthe year 29-2 overall and rank asNo. 2 in NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball. Sunday night after the loss to SWOSO, the women’steam found out they’re the No. 2seed in the Central Region and will host the NCAA tournaments opening round game this Friday atthe Rhodes Field House.
Assistant coach David Walker said hostingFriday’s tournament game shows a great deal about their team and their consistency as a group. Walker said they know it will be a great atmosphere at the Rhodes field house, and the team is excited for the opportunity to win in front of the Rhodes Rowdies.
The Harding LadyBisonswillplay No. 7 seed ConcordiaUniversity,SaintPaul this Friday,March 14. This is the women’s first trip to the NCAA tournament.
