SHAWNEE -- Oklahoma Baptist overcame an eight-point halftime deficit with a dominant second half to earn a 73–67 Great American Conference victory over Harding on Saturday at the Noble Complex. The win pushed the Bison to 12-2 overall and 6-2 in league play, matching Harding's 6-2 GAC mark, while snapping a tight contest that swung decisively after halftime.
Harding controlled much of the first half, building momentum behind efficient perimeter shooting and strong rebounding. HU led 36–28 at the break and made six 3-pointers in the first stanza. Paced by Wesley Booker, the forward scored 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including four 3-pointers. Keyln McBride added 11 points, while Thompson Camara chipped in 10 as Harding shot over 40 percent in the opening half.
Oklahoma Baptist responded with renewed energy after intermission, outscoring Harding 45–31 in the second half.
Terry Coner Jr. spearheaded the comeback with a game-high 22 points, attacking the rim and converting 12-of-14 free throws.
Joshua Udoumoh posted a strong all-around effort with 13 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while
Erik Madrid provided a crucial spark off the bench with 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting.
The Bison offense found its rhythm down the stretch, shooting 52.2 percent in the second half and getting to the foul line repeatedly. OBU also won the rebounding battle 40–34 and scored 30 points in the paint, helping erase the halftime deficit. A late surge at the free-throw line sealed the outcome as the Bison converted 22-of-30 attempts for the game.
Despite Booker's strong performance and 12 made three-pointers as a team, Harding was unable to keep pace with Oklahoma Baptist's physical play and efficiency in the final 20 minutes. The Bison closed the game by scoring on six of their final eight possessions, securing the six-point home win.
A battle with the first-place GAC squad is next for the Bison. The team will travel to Ouachita (12-2, 8-0 GAC) on Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
