BETHANY, Okla. — After taking care of business in a three-game road stretch, Southern Nazarene kept the momentum alive in their return to Bethany, edging Harding 69-63 in their biggest game yet this season.
Back in January, the Storm (18-4, 15-1 GAC) were handed their first conference loss from Harding after building a 7-0 GAC start. Since then, SNU has been on an unbeaten run once more, amassing an 8-0 win streak after returning the favor to the Bisons (17-7, 13-3 GAC) with a six-point victory inside the Sawyer Center.
The two best defenses in the conference controlled most of the game, but SNU's opening pace and huge third quarter performance made all the difference in avenging the Bisons.
The Storm got off to a quick start, breaking out with a 6-0 run two and half minutes into the contest. From there, Harding battled back, but the defensive presence of both squads kept it at a low scoring affair and SNU led the Bisons 15-8 after the first.
SNU kept the Bisons at a fair distance in quarter two, getting up to a 10-point lead midway through. A couple of buckets and a few free throws by Harding allowed them to creep within three with two minutes to go before halftime. The final possessions of the half played on and the Storm headed into the break up 31-28.
The three-pointer was a struggle in the first half for both teams, but SNU quickly erased that narrative, getting a few long balls to fall to help extend their lead. Collecting four from deep that quarter along with a couple of big plays down the stretch, SNU led the Bisons 51-43 after quarter three.
The Storm continued to ward the Bisons off of gaining any lead, but Harding did not go down without out a fight. A Bisons layup brought the game within two just under four minutes left in the ballgame. SNU made Harding pay from the free throw line after the Bisons were forced to foul in hopes extra time would give them an edge.
With 30 seconds left, Harding scored to put them behind 65-61, leading SNU to take a timeout. Fouls and free throws make up the remainder of the game and SNU came out on top 69-63, achieving their eighth straight win and 15th conference victory.
Georgia Adams led in scoring with 22 points followed by eight boards and five assists.
Hannah Giddey earned another double double with 16 points and 10 boards. Giddey also notched seven assists and four blocks against the Bisons.
Cassandra Awatt also recorded a double double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Awatt also grabbed two assists and three steals.
Southern Nazarene will continue its home stretch on Saturday, February 11th as they host Arkansas Tech at 1 p.m. Another top opponent in the conference, the Golden Suns have already been beaten by SNU once this season in Russellville.
