SEARCY, Ark.-Host Harding used an 18-6 run bridging the halftime break to take control of the game in a 70-56 win over the Christian Brothers University Lady Bucs Friday night in the season opener for both schools.

Harding (1-0) briefly threatened to pull away early, going on a 16-5 run to take a 21-11 lead on a McKenzie McNamara fastbreak layup with 10:25 remaining. The Lady Bucs (0-1) answered with an 8-1 burst to close within 22-19 on a pair of Rachel Lee (Jackson, Tenn./Jackson Christian School) free throws.

The Lady Bucs cut the HU lead to 29-25 on a Madison Luckett (Memphis, Tenn./St. Benedict HS) layup with 1:33 remaining in the half, but Harding scored the last five points of the first half and the first four of the second half to extend the lead to double digits, and a Lundon Williams three gave Harding a 45-29 lead with 12:55 remaining. The Lady Bucs never came closer than 13 points again.

Emily Reeves (Somerville, Tenn./Fayette Academy) led the Lady Bucs with 12 points with three steals, and Rachel Lee (Jackson, Tenn./Jackson Christian School) scored 10 with a team-high six rebounds.

Correy Moyer led the Lady Bisons with 16 points, and Arielle Saunders scored 13 with 14 rebounds.

CBU shot 36.5 percent (19-of-52) for the game, but they held Harding to 36.0 percent (18-of-50). The Lady Bisons were 26-of-35 (74.3 percent) at the free throw line to CBU's 13-of-17 76.5 percent). Harding out-rebounded the Lady Bucs 39-29, including an 11-6 edge in offensive boards. CBU committed 13 turnovers while forcing 11.

The Lady Bucs return to action tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. as they host Lane.