Monticello, Ark. – The SAU Women's Basketball team opened their 2019-20 season with a familiar opponent, Lincoln (Mo.) as the Muleriders sought revenge for an opening day loss last season to the Blue Tigers.

The Muleriders held a slight lead through the first three quarters before a 19-0 run from the last minute of the third quarter until under three minutes left in the game saw the Muleriders put the game beyond doubt.

This win marks the first opening game win for the Muleriders since 2015, when the Muleriders claimed a four-point victory over Philander Smith.

Last season's leading scorer Ariana Guinn led the offense for the Muleriders. The sophomore scored 14 points on 5-8 shooting in 17 minutes of action as 12 of the 15 Muleriders who saw action tonight got themselves on the scoresheet.

Guinn added in a team-high three assists and grabbed three rebounds.

Maggie Evans joined Guinn in double digits, scoring 13 points on 3-6 shooting. The junior went 6-9 for the charity stripe as the Muleriders went 23-36 from the line as a team.

13 Muleriders played ten or minutes on the night in addition to 12 Muleriders scoring; the Muleriders forced 36 turnovers as well as drawing 29 fouls.

Tamera Shaver dropped six points and grabbed four steals (tied with Camryn Fennell for a team-high); Kisi Young scored four points and grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds; and freshman Tearra Cook scored two points with six rebounds in 15 minutes on her debut.

The Muleriders face Upper Iowa tomorrow in Monticello to close out the Central Region Challenge.