The Basics
Score: Northwestern 56 – Harding 89
Records: NW (0-3, 0-1 GAC) - HU (3-0, 1-0 GAC)
Location: Rhodes Field House – Searcy, Ark.

SEARCY, Ark. - Northwestern Oklahoma State Women's Basketball was defeated 89-56 by Harding in the first game of Great American Conference play.


The Fast Break
    Northwestern traveled to Searcy, Arkansas on Thursday night to take on conference pre-season favorite Harding University. The Rangers answered a first half onslaught of points by the Bisons with a solid second half of play.

    Harding came out and opened up a 9-2 lead at the 7:39 mark of the first quarter. Northwestern showed great toughness against Harding's efficient offense and slowed the Bisons down midway through the quarter. A Kalea King lay-up brought the score to 14-5 in favor of Harding. The Rangers continued their solid defense and used two straight threes in order to bring Northwestern back to within seven points. The Bison finished on a 17-3 run to end the first quarter leading 35-14.

    Northwestern tightened things up at the break in action and prevented Harding from scoring in the first two minutes of the second quarter. Harding got back into a rhythm and capitalized on the Rangers' struggles from the field. Northwestern did however convert on 5-8 free throw attempts to generate some offense during the quarter. Harding took a 54-22 lead into the break.

    Following the halftime break, Northwestern came out and settled down, playing a much better second half. The Rangers had more attempts from the field with 31 attempted compared to Harding's 27. Northwestern also kept the score differential in the second half of play to just one point, 35-34.   

    However, the Bisons used the scoring duo of Falan Miller, who scored 16 points on the evening, as well as Sydnie Jones, who also added 16 points to the Harding effort, to finish out the game with an 89-56 victory. The Rangers were paced by King, who finished the evening with 16 points as well. Jonae Isaac also had a solid stat line with nine points and nine rebounds.

Up Next

• Northwestern Oklahoma State Women's Basketball will return to the court in Russellville, Arkansas where they will play against Arkansas Tech University on November, 19 at 1:00 p.m.

For the latest information and updates on Ranger Basketball, follow @NWOSUAthletics on Twitter or go to www.riderangersride.com.