CONWAY -- Bryant's defense came through in the second half against Fayetteville.
The Hornets allowed 11 points in the final two quarters to defeat the Bulldogs 39-36 on Saturday in the John Stanton Classic at Buzz Bolding Arena.
Bryant (9-1) trailed 25-23 at halftime, but its second-half effort allowed it to leave Faulkner County with two victories. The Hornets also defeated Springdale Har-Ber 57-47 on Friday.
"We just tried to do what we do defensively, with a little more intensity," Bryant Coach Mike Abrahamson said. "We tried to pressure the ball a little bit more. It was harder for them to run their stuff like they did in the first half.
"It was about our guys getting back to basics."
Senior guard Romen Martin led Bryant with 16 points and hit four three-pointers. Classmates Calvin Allen and Kaleb Turner each added seven points for the Hornets.
Senior Caleb Finney's basket pulled Fayetteville within 39-36 with 39.8 seconds left. The Bulldogs had an opportunity to tie the game, but senior Tyler Roth's three-point attempt did not fall as time expired.
"They started extending their defense. We got a little flustered," Fayetteville Coach Kyle Adams said. "We just didn't get any quality shots. They made us burn time off the clock. Bottom line is, when you see a team like that, you have to do the little things well like setting good screens and handling the basketball with confidence.
"We're getting better. It's a process. Our experience is getting better and better."
The Hornets took their first lead since early in the first quarter when senior forward Marvin Moody converted on a three-point play with 4:36 left in the third quarter, giving his team a 30-27 lead.
Bryant led 32-31 entering the fourth quarter and extended its lead to 39-34 with 2:17 remaining on Turner's two free throws.
Fayetteville (4-5) was led by Roth and Finney with eight points apiece. Senior Brandon Simon added seven points.
BRYANT (39)
Martin 5 2-2 16, Turner 2 2-2 7, Allen 3 1-1 7, Moody 1 1-1 3, Steen 0 3-3 3, Washington 1 1-2 3. Totals 12 10-11 39.
FAYETTEVILLE (36)
Roth 4 0-0 8, Cooper 2 0-0 6, Finney 4 0-0 8, Simon 3 1-1 7, Powell 1 1-2 3, Banister 1 0-0 2, Schach 1 0-0 2. Totals 16 2-3 36.
Bryant (9-1) 10 13 9 7 -- 39
Fayetteville (4-5) 14 11 6 5 -- 36
Three-point goals -- Bryant 5 (Martin 4, Turner), Fayetteville 2 (Cooper 2). Team fouls -- Bryant 10, Fayetteville 14.
Sports on 12/18/2016