SEARCY, Ark.—For the second time this week, Southern Nazarene notched a win over Harding University, extending their streak to 11 straight over the Bisons.
The Crimson Storm (16-6, 11-5 GAC) have now made it 12 wins in their last 13 games, with the only loss coming in overtime. The last two wins have both come against Harding (4-18, 2-14 GAC) as the teams just met on Monday in Bethany. The Storm won that matchup 68-55.
Both games were similar in that they saw early SNU leads turn into tight contests in the second half. On Thursday, Harding got within two points in the second half, but a 15-0 SNU run from the 13 minute mark to the 6 minute mark all but put the game away as they went on to win 62-46.
Things got started quickly from beyond the arc for the Storm. Tyler McGhie was feeling it early on from deep as he knocked down three shots from the outside in the first five minutes of the game. He finished with 18 points, connecting on one more three-ball later in the game.
Back-and-forth action filled the first half. After Harding trimmed SNU's lead to just a single point, they had the opportunity to take the lead heading into the break. A missed shot with just seconds left fell into the hands of Xavier Bryant. Bryant then raced down court and pulled up from beyond 35 feet. Just before the buzzer went off, the ball fell through the net, giving the Storm a 29-25 halftime lead.
Along with McGhie's 18 points, Manny Dixon also reached the 18 point total. He just missed out on a double-double, also grabbing 9 rebounds.
Adokiye Iyaye was the other Storm member in double figures. He poured in 15 points and came through big on the defensive end with a pair of blocks and a pair of steals.
On Saturday, Southern Nazarene will play their final Arkansas game of the season against Arkansas Tech. The Storm defeated Tech 61-57 back on Jan. 31. SNU erased an 8 point second half deficit to earn that win. The Crimson Storm will attempt to earn a third straight win overall on Saturday in Russellville. Tipoff against Arkansas Tech is set for 3:00 p.m. following the women's game.
