MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Julio Pacheco era of women's basketball at Southern Arkansas is off to a winning start as SAU picked up a 72-68 road win against Philander Smith this past Saturday.
 
The Lady Muleriders (1-0) would take a four-point lead through the first quarter, 18-14, and opened that advantage up to double-digits by the end of the first half and they led the Panthers (4-1) by 10, 43-33. Through three quarters of play, SAU held a 12-point lead, 60-48, but Philander Smith would mount a fourth-quarter comeback to make the final score close.
 
Three Lady Muleriders would finish in double-figure scoring with Rosa Bryant leading the way with 20 points on an efficient 10-of-18 shooting effort. Aleeya Harris was next on the team in scoring with 17 points and newcomer Caroline Ficher scored 10 points to round out double-digit scoring for SAU.
 
Bryant would also lead the team in rebounding as she hauled in 13 boards to post her first double-double of the season.
 
Senior guard Tierra Tucker would help pace the offense with a team-high six assists in the game. Four other Lady Muleriders would also add at least three assists as they totaled 20 as a team.

The Lady Muleriders will be back in action tomorrow evening as they will travel to Commerce, Texas to take on Texas A&M-Commerce in a non-conference game. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.