LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Josh Denton scored 22 points off the bench, his second consecutive game with over 20 points, and Keyln McBride added 21 as Harding men’s basketball held off Rogers State 79-78 in the Central Region Challenge Saturday at Little Rock Christian.
Harding (1-1) trailed 43-38 at halftime but outscored Rogers State 41-35 in the second half to secure the victory.
McBride and Denton sparked Harding’s offense, each connecting on four three-pointers. Sam Smith contributed 16 points and led Harding with nine rebounds. Wyatt Gilbert recorded a team-high five assists.
The game was tied at 70-70 with 4:06 remaining. Denton’s layup gave Harding the lead, but Rogers State’s Andrew Mason answered with a free throw. Sam Smith’s jumper put Harding up 72-71 with 2:54 left.
Keyln McBride’s three-pointer with 1:51 remaining extended Harding’s lead to 75-73. Rogers State’s Jabryn Anderson cut the deficit to two, but McBride sealed the win with four consecutive free throws.
Rogers State’s Benard Omooria hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, but it wasn’t enough.
Harding’s free-throw shooting proved decisive, making 13-of-14 attempts, including all eight in the second half.
Rogers State, a member of the MIAA located in Claremore, Oklahoma, lost for the first time in five games this season.
