FORT SMITH, Ark. — Behind a career-best efficiency from Keyln McBride and a flurry of time beyond regulation three-pointers, No. 2-seed Harding outlasted No. 1-seed Ouachita Baptist 81-78 in a thriller on Saturday afternoon at Northside Arena.
The victory marks Harding’s tenth consecutive win, tying a college file for the longest successful streak in program historical past. With the win, the Bisons (23-7) advance to the Great American Conference Tournament Championship for the second straight season, the place they may face Southern Nazarene in a rematch of final 12 months’s remaining.
McBride was the story of the afternoon, erupting for a career-high 31 factors. The senior guard knocked down seven three-pointers, setting a brand new Bison file for many triples in a GAC Tournament recreation. His 17 makes an attempt from past the arc additionally tied a college file.
Overtime Excellence
After the groups completed regulation deadlocked at 67-67, Harding’s offense discovered one other gear within the further interval. The Bisons had been an ideal 3-for-3 from the sector in time beyond regulation—all from three-point vary. McBride hit two of these triples, together with a deep shot with 37 seconds remaining to push the lead to 77-74.
After Ouachita (23-7) reduce the lead to one on a PJ Neal layup, McBride remained composed on the free-throw line, sinking 4 straight within the remaining 20 seconds to seal the win.
Battle of Attrition
The recreation was a bodily, defensive wrestle that featured 13 lead adjustments, 12 ties, and 52 whole fouls. Harding’s protection held agency regardless of the Tigers taking pictures 56.4% from the sector. While the Tigers dominated the paint (36-24), the Bisons used an 11-4 benefit in made three-pointers to offset the inside discrepancy.
Harding additionally discovered essential manufacturing from Toby Pike, who offered a second-half spark with seven factors on 3-of-3 taking pictures, and Reggie Webster, who completed with 17 factors and 5 rebounds earlier than fouling out in time beyond regulation.
Historic Context
This win marks the second consecutive 12 months that Harding has eradicated rival Ouachita Baptist within the GAC semifinals. It additionally units the stage for the Bisons to pursue their third GAC Tournament crown (2014, 2025) and earn its second straight NCAA Tournament bid.
Key Stats
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Keyln McBride: 31 factors (7-17 3PT), 10-10 FT
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Reggie Webster: 17 factors, 5 rebounds, 5 assists
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Harding Team: 11-32 3PT (34.4%), 24-29 FT (82.8%)
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Bench Points: Harding 13, Ouachita 15
Up Next
Harding will face Southern Nazarene for the GAC Championship on Sunday. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Fort Smith.