[November 15, 2008]

By: Houston Taylor

COMMERCE, Texas – Texas A&M-Commerce jumped out to an early 13-2 lead and went on to hand Southern Arkansas an 88-57 setback in the teams’ season-opener Saturday at the A&M-Commerce Fieldhouse. It was the Lady Muleriders’ third consecutive loss to the Lions and their worst margin of defeat in the series history.

SAU was never really in it as A&M-Commerce held a 58-28 margin at the half. Alisha Williams’ jumper with 1:50 left set the final score, the Lion’s largest lead of the game.

Britney Jordan led all players with 30 points, hitting 11 of 16 from the field, including 5 of 7 three-pointers. A&M-Commerce was 32 of 69 for the game for 46.4 percent, with 10 of 16 (62.5) from beyond the arc, and connected on 14 of 22 (63.6) free throws.

Southern Arkansas managed just 19 of 52 (36.5) from the floor, 3 of 11 (27.3) on threes, but shot 16 of 19 (84.2) from the charity stripe.

Jordan also had seven rebounds, dished out five assists, and had six steals. She was joined by four teammates who also finished scoring in double figures, including Desiree Waller who had 15. Nola Taylor grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.

Newcomers Aralee Smith (Jr., 5-7, G, Greenwood/Idaho State) and Kmaria Hobbs (Fr., 5-11, F/C, Clarksville, Texas) paced the Lady Muleriders with 14 points each, while Hobbs also pulled down a game-high nine rebounds. Junior guard Goldie White (5-8, Hampton) scored 13 points and junior forward Shardae Thompson (5-11, Star City) added 10.

The Lions held a 45-30 rebound advantage and forced 32 SAU turnovers, converting them into 33 points.

Southern Arkansas has another tough one Tuesday when they travel to face Division I University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.