MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Following the conclusion of its stretched business trip, CHAOS re-enters the W.T. Watson Center with four-consecutive ballgames at home. For week 12 of the 2023-24 campaign, Southern Arkansas arrives back home for contests against East Central (Thursday, Feb. 8) and Southeastern Oklahoma State (Saturday, Feb. 10). The Muleriders come into the week with a 9-11 overall record (4-10 GAC) and seeks after a couple much needed victories following the recent drought.
 
TOP PERFORMERS
Southern Arkansas' offense has run through senior Diamond Morris with her team-leading 259 points in the 'Riders 20 contest played (13/GM). Morris has led her squad in the majority of the statistics as she is the lone Mulerider with 60+ free throw attempts while also being the sole player with at least 50 FTs made (.781). The Sheridan, Arkansas native has also been leading in minutes per game (26.9) and FG% with more than 200 shots attempted (93-212, .439).
 
Tequaza Chambers currently leads all Muleriders by seven or more in steals as she taken forced a turnover of possession on 41 occasions thus far. Chambers is also the present director of the rock as she is responsible for 46 assists. Three Muleriders have accounted for 80 or more rebounds in Morris (88), Sihirah Reese (91), and Jessica Clemons (91).
EAST CENTRAL (6-12 | 2-12 GAC)
First on the schedule for week 12 are the Tigers out of Ada, Oklahoma for a Community Night rematch inside the W.T. Watson Center. In the previous matchup between East Central and Southern Arkansas, the Muleriders secured their ninth victory of the season. A 30-point second period elevated SAU's advantage out of reach for the Tigers as Southern Arkansas won 78-62. Three Muleriders recorded double-digit point efforts as well as shooting 8-14 from beyond the arc.
 
The Tigers have proven to be a tough opponent for Great American Conference competition as they have continued to improve over their last five outings. The Tigers are coming off a home victory against the Arkansas Tech Golden Suns by a score of 65-62 for just their second triumph in conference. The Tigers currently rank fourth in the league for three-pointers per game (6.9/GM) while also keeping a solid defense and only allowing 61.1 points per game.
 
Mackenzie Crusoe has been the main point-provider for the Tigers as she has recorded 276 thus far after shooting 90-247 (.364) from the floor, 25-85 (.294) from three, and 71-86 (.826) at the charity stripe. Crusoe is also the team's leader in rebounds (111; 16 OREB | 95 DREB), steals (54), and is just second in assists (27).
 
SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE (7-13 | 3-11 GAC)
Coming up on Saturday will be the Muleriders and the Savage Storm for their second go-around at each other. Southern Arkansas claimed victory in the January matchup by a score of 67-52 due to some terrific defensive play. Addy Tremie led the SAU offense with 22 points and making four of her seven three-point attempts while also making 9-17 from the field. CHAOS was able to slow down the Storm after being -7 in the turnover game in which 27 Mulerider points came off of 22 SEOSU turnovers.
 
Southeastern Oklahoma State has won three of their last five competitions with wins over Ouachita Baptist (60-55), East Central (59-46), and Arkansas Tech (64-57). The Storm have been dangerous in tight games late, especially when they have been up by just a few points since they are the GAC leaders in free-throw percentage at 77.8% (10^th nationally). SEOSU ranks just fourth in the league in free throw made per game as they average 14.20 per contest.
 
The Savage Storm's leading scorer has been, and will continue to be, Caitlin Kobiske as she has accounted for 304 points (15.2 per game) while making 102-228 (.447) from the field, 13-39 (.333) from deep-range, and 87-104 (.837) from the charity stripe. The junior sits just behind Holli Lindley (142 boards) in rebounds as Kobiske has recorded 121 (33 OREB | 88 DREB). Kobiske ranks in the top ten of the conference in multiple categories including two third-ranked spots in free throw percentage and free throws.
 
This will be the Muleriders final contest at home against programs from Oklahoma. Southern Arkansas is currently set for tip-off against the East Central Tigers at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday to then be followed on Saturday by a start time of 1:00 p.m. versus the Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm. For more information on Mulerider Women's Basketball, check out www.MuleriderAthletics.com