Box Score Box Score

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Freshman center Tori Nichols had a spectacular game on Thursday night against Southwestern Oklahoma State University as she turned in a monster double-double performance with 23 points and 16 rebounds, both of which are career highs. Nichols' outstanding individual effort would not be enough, however, as Southern Arkansas fell at home to Southwestern Oklahoma by a score of 87-59 at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center.
 
The Lady Muleriders (0-17, 0-12) got on the board first at the 19:47 mark of the first half as Katherine McBride knocked down a mid-range jump shot on the game's initial possession. Over the next 3:22 of play, the lead would change hands a total of five times. During that stretch of back-and-forth basketball, neither team would hold lead of more than three points.
 
With the game tied at 13-all at the 15:18 mark of the first half, the Lady Bulldogs (14-4, 9-3 GAC) would go on a 7-0 run over the next 2:16 to establish control of the game. The Lady Bulldogs would swell their lead to as much as 22 points as they headed into the break leading by that same margin.
 
The second half would bring much of the same as the Lady Mulriders were unable to cut into their sizable deficit. The Lady Muleriders did significantly improve their shooting in the second half by shooting 38% (13-of-34) in the final period of play.
 
Nichols' 23-point performance led the Lady Muleriders, but two others joined her in double figures. McBride finished with 17 points, while Stevi Cooper added 10 points. Nichols also recorded her third consecutive and sixth overall double-double.
 
The Lady Muleriders will remain at home as they are set to play host to Northwestern Oklahoma State University at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center on Saturday, February 2nd. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.