SEARCY, Ark. – OBU's program-record nine-game winning streak came to a close on Thursday night as Harding (10-4, 6-1 GAC) took down Oklahoma Baptist (10-3, 6-1 GAC) 63-49 inside Rhodes-Reaves Field House.
Despite overcoming a rocky first half, the Bison couldn't eclipse the opposition, as HU scored 10 straight points late to claim the victory and hand Oklahoma Baptist its first conference loss.
OBU posted its lowest field goal percentage of the season, finishing at a 33% shooting clip, while the Lady Bisons shot 39.7%. Conversely, the green and gold recorded a perfect 14-14 night from the free throw, their best percentage at the line this season.
There was a 41-25 discrepancy in the rebound category in favor of Harding, which told the tale of the game. Sixteen boards came on the offensive end, while the Bison brought down just six.
HU had a 13-6 advantage on the boards in the first quarter alone. This paved the way for a 8-0 start to the contest for the Lady Bisons. By the end of the inaugural stanza, Harding was out in front 16-2.
Oklahoma Baptist found its rhythm in the second quarter, improving its shooting percentage from 9.1% to 58.3%. Seven field goals came from inside the three-point line, while they went 2-2 from the charity stripe.
Still, the Lady Bisons held the lead and took a 27-19 advantage into the break.
In the third, the Bison cut their deficit to eight, 38-30, following a Madison Chambers layup. The act sparked a 6-0 run, courtesy of a 6-6 showing at the free throw line from Chambers, that brought OBU within two with 54 seconds remaining in the quarter.
However, OBU's success never fazed Harding as they shot 57.1% in the final quarter to wrap up the triumph.
Chambers and Erika Ankey scored 14 points to lead Oklahoma Baptist. Both went 6-6 at the free throw line, while Ankey added a game-high in steals (2).
Jill Leslie charted six points and four rebounds, while Melissa Southard scored five points. Sierra Copeland gave valuable minutes off the bench, bringing down four boards to go along with four points.
Oklahoma Baptist returns to the hardwood on Saturday for a 1:00 p.m. contest with Arkansas Tech (7-5, 5-1 GAC).
