SKIATOOK, Okla. — Harding had a terrific night time from the free-throw line in their season opener however struggled with their taking pictures in every single place else, falling to the Arkansas-Fort Smith Lions, 75-64, in the Central Region Challenge on Friday night time.
Harding linked on solely 16 of 59 subject aim makes an attempt, ending at a cold 27.1% general. The struggles have been notably tough from past the arc, the place the Bisons transformed simply 3 of 28 makes an attempt (10.7%). At the road, the Bisons hit 29-of-34 makes an attempt (85.3%) to maintain the sport shut.
The scoring effort was balanced, with three Bisons tying for the staff lead with 9 factors every: beginning guards Wesley Booker and Keyln McBride and reserve Marko Rangan. Booker delivered a productive night time, main the staff with eight rebounds and taking pictures 7-of-8 from the free-throw line.
Rangan and Rece Hipp (8 factors, 2-of-3 from three), anchored a bench unit that contributed 29 factors. Hipp supplied a much-needed spark in the second half, hitting each of his three-pointers in the ultimate minutes. Ty Suess got here off the bench to attain eight factors, taking pictures an ideal 6-for-6 efficiency on the charity stripe.
Arkansas-Fort Smith (1-0) used a 6-0 run early in the primary half to ascertain management, punctuated by a three-pointer from Brandon Scott and a layup from Kameron Johnson. The Lions maintained a gradual lead and entered the locker room with an eight-point benefit, 36-28.
UAFS of the MIAA rapidly prolonged that lead in the second half, utilizing a 15-point swing fueled by a three-pointer from Jack Hoth to take a 60-41 lead on the 8:32 mark, the most important of the sport.
The Bisons continued to battle again, drawing fouls and changing on the line. However, they have been hampered by foul hassle, dropping Reggie Webster late in the second half after the freshman guard dedicated his fifth foul on the 3:05 mark.
UAFS noticed a game-high 17 factors from Hoth and acquired a robust efficiency from Christian Moore, who dished out seven assists. The Lions’ superior taking pictures (47.3% FG, 50.0% 3FG) proved to be the deciding issue.
Harding will look to tomorrow on the Central Region Challenge when it takes on Rogers State, additionally of the MIAA.