SEARCY, Ark.—After dropping their first conference game of the season on Thursday, Southern Nazarene bounced back with a dominating 70-36 victory over Harding on Saturday night.
The game was tight throughout the majority of the opening half, but Southern Nazarene (11-3, 7-1 GAC) used a 17-2 run late in the half to take a 28-15 lead. Harding (5-9, 1-7 GAC) scored the final four points before halftime, but SNU still carried a 28-19 advantage at the break.
The Storm dominated the second half, outscoring Harding 42-17. SNU used a 20-0 run midway through the half to put the game away as they turned a 45-32 lead into a 65-32 lead. They finished the game by nearly doubling Harding up with a final score of 70-36. The 36 points given up was the fewest by SNU this season. They continue to climb as one of the top defenses in the nation, ranking fifth in points allowed per game at 59.3.
The Storm used six threes in the second half to propel them on the big run. Tyler McGhie did most of the damage from the outside, knocking down six threes in the game on his way to 22 points.
Javon Jackson scored 15 points, while also dishing out six assists, and grabbing five rebounds.
Nick Davis added 11 points and six rebounds.
Eain Mowat scored 9 points on three makes from behind the arc.
SNU will travel to Durant, Oklahoma to take on Southeastern Oklahoma State on Wednesday for their next contest. SNU defeated Southeastern 75-66 in Bethany earlier this season. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m., following the women's game.
