WEST MEMPHIS — Two of the most decorated programs in Arkansas junior college basketball met on Thursday night.
When the night was over, both Harrison teams came away with close wins over Arkansas State University, Mid-South.
The Lady Pioneers defeated Mid-South, 77-72.
Northark’s men won, 83-79.
Lady Pioneers
North Arkansas College was 10-of-13 from the free throw line in the fourth period on the way to sealing a 77-72 win.
Heading into the final period, the Lady Pioneers trailed, 49-45.
The team scored 32 points in the fourth quarter on the way to the win.
Cayley Patrick started the Lady Pioneer charge. She drained a trey that was followed by a free throw from Sydney Standridge.
Karsen Edwards scored inside before draining a trey. Standridge hit her first field goal of the quarter next.
Kessa Willis completed a three-point play for the Lady Pioneers before Kailynn Garis drained a trey.
Standridge popped the nets again before Willis was two-of-two at the free throw line.
Edwards had her third bucket of the period just before Standridge hit two free throws.
Patrick hit a big 3-pointer and then was perfect at the free throw line with two shots. Garis finished the night with two more free throws to seal the win.
Northark trailed at the end of the first period, 22-15. The Lady Pioneers held the Lady Greyhounds to six points in the second to force a tie at halftime.
Mid-South outscored the Lady Pioneers in the third period, 21-17, setting up the Lady Pioneer comeback.
Four players scored 15 or more points in the game. Patrick and Edwards had 16 points each and Garis and Standridge added 15 apiece.
Willis had 11 and Samantha George and Abby Hodges two apiece.
Pioneers
North Arkansas College moved to 3-2 in Region II action on Thursday night at Arkansas State University, Mid-South.
The Pioneers defeated the Greyhounds, 83-79.
Northark is now 3-2 in league play. They own wins over Shorter, Cossatot and now Mid-South.
South Arkansas and Southern Arkansas University Tech have both beat the Pioneers.
The next Pioneer game will be at National Park College in Hot Springs. They will play on Monday night. That will conclude the first half of conference play.
