WEATHERFORD – SWOSU Women's Basketball had a productive Senior Day, knocking off No. 3/5 Harding 54-51 to guarantee a spot in the upcoming Great American Conference Tournament.
It's the program's first win over a ranked opponent since October 30, 2021, and defense was the foundation for the result. SWOSU limited Harding to 29% shooting from the field – a season low for them – and surrendered just three three-point makes on 20 attempts.
Harding's leading scorer and last year's GAC Player of the Year, Sage Hawley, was held under 10 points for just the fifth time this season. She finished with nine points on 26% shooting.
SWOSU led 24-19 at halftime in an obvious low-scoring affair. The Lady Bulldogs limited the Lady Bisons to 7-of-32 in the first half and edged them in points in both the first and second quarters to hold the halftime lead.
After the break, SWOSU opened up a lead of as many as 17 points (8:54/4Q) thanks to a productive third quarter before enduring one final run by Harding who did get dangerously close to completing the comeback in the closing minute.
The Lady Bisons missed a three-pointer to tie with 10 seconds remaining and had another shot a possession later after SWOSU missed both free throws on the other end. Following a timeout, Harding missed another three as the clock struck zeros. Final, 54-51 Lady Bulldogs.
Final numbers had SWOSU shooting 21-of-55, 38%, and 4-of-18 from the three-point line, 22%. They were outrebounded 46-35 and did allow 19 offensive boards to Harding, but the tough defense alleviated second chance points from proving to be a difference maker.
Hailey Grant led the team with 14 points on 6-for-12 from the field. Layni Zinn added another 11 with a team high six rebounds, both season highs for her.
Harding shot 29% in the game, thanks to a 47% mark in the fourth quarter but was held to sub-25% shooting in three of the game's four quarters.
Both sides ended with similar turnover numbers, with the edge to SWOSU winning the battle 17-15.
Next week signifies the end of the regular season for the Lady Dawgs. They'll host East Central on Thursday before wrapping up the regular season on the road Saturday with another crack at nationally ranked Southern Nazarene. The GAC Tournament is held March 7-10 in Shawnee, Oklahoma inside FireLake Arena.
