SEARCY, Ark. – In a rematch of former conference foes, No. 15 Harding (3-0) spoiled the season-opener and debut of new head coach Craig Roden, as the Lady Bisons defeated No. 22 Delta State (0-1), 65-40, on Monday, Nov. 17 at Rhodes Fieldhouse.
 
Harding jumped out to an 11-point first half lead, 36-25, after shooting 54.2 percent. The Lady Bisons were 7-of-12 from 3-point range in the frame, led by Arielle Saunders' nine points and six rebounds.
 
Rhandi Ball led DSU with nine points at the break on 3-of-6 shooting from the floor. DSU managed just nine field goals on 32 attempts in the half.
 
Harding's defense buckled down in the second half, forcing 10 DSU turnovers and holding the Lady Statesmen to 5-of-23 from the floor.
 
HU's A'ndrea Haney poured in 10 second half points, as the Lady Bisons outscored DSU 29-15 to make the final 65-40.
 
The Lady Statesmen struggled offensively in their first game of the season, shooting 25.5 percent for the game after making 14-of-55 from the floor. DSU finished the night 3-of-14 from 3-point range and 9-of-12 from the free throw line.
 
The Lady Bisons shot 50 percent from the floor, making 24-of-48 attempts, including 10-of-22 from 3-point range. HU outrebounded DSU 42-26, but lost the turnover battle 19-13.
 
DSU's Ball, a senior from Pontotoc, finished the night with a game-high 15 points. Haney paced Harding with 12.
 
The Lady Statesmen continue their tour of Arkansas on Friday, Nov. 21, as Delta State renews another long-standing rivalry with the Golden Suns of Arkansas Tech. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville.