Box Score

SEARCY, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas women's basketball team turned in a valiant effort on Thursday night at the Rhodes Field House in Searcy, but ultimately fell short to No. 6-ranked Harding University by a score of 70-59.
 
The Lady Muleriders (7-6, 3-4 GAC) grabbed an early two-point lead, 5-3, but the Lady Bisons (16-0, 8-0 GAC) responded by ripping off a 13-0 run to take control of the game. From there, the Lady Bisons would grow their lead out to as much as 19 points before heading into the break ahead by 16 points, 38-22.
 
Harding would maintain a double-digit lead for much of the second half, but the Lady Muleriders were resilient and battled back in the game. With 11:22 remaining, SAU trailed by 16 points, 56-40, but a 10-0 run over the next five minutes of the game brought the Lady Muleriders to within six points, 56-50. Junior guard Allie Wade capped that threatening run with a three-pointer.
 
With 5:15 left and their lead now in serious danger, the Lady Bisons broke SAU's run and put up a quick 5-0 run of their own to go back up by double-digits, 61-50.  The Lady Bisons would maintain a double-digit lead over the next two minutes of the game, but a 5-0 personal run by Wad brought SAU back to within single digits with 1:23 left.
 
As before, however, the Lady Bisons responded with another quick run to thwart off the Lady Mulerider surge. Eventually, Harding would hold on for an 11-point win, 70-59.
 
Statistically, the Lady Muleriders were led by Chanel Miller as she recorded a double-double with a team-high 18 points and 11 rebounds. Behind Miller in scoring was Wade with 16 points.
 
The Lady Muleriders will look to rebound as they return home on Saturday, January 18 to take on Arkansas Tech. Tip-off for the game is set for 2 p.m. at the W.T. Watson Center.