MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Mulerider Women returned to action inside the W.T. Watson Center after the holiday break as they faced the Great American Conference preseason-favored Harding Bisons on Saturday afternoon.
 
After having a tied ballgame through one (24-24), the Bisons found their rhythm through reigning GAC Offensive Player of the Year Sage Hawley as the fifth-year athlete accounted for 34 points in the contest with ten rebounds. Ten points outscored SAU in the second period and the crew was not able to recuperate from the deficit coming out of the half as the Bisons claimed victory 79-68. Hawley's performance led Harding to its tenth win this season (10-2 | 6-0) while Southern Arkansas now moves to 7-5 with a 2-4 record in the conference.
 
The Blue and Gold shot fairly well from the field as the group accounted for 46.7% over four periods and made 28-60. The difference maker for the final ended up being on the boards as the Bisons outrebounded Southern Arkansas 35-24. Finally, Harding saw much assistance at the free throw line as the Bisons doubled SAU's makes and had seven more attempts than the Muleriders.
 
Four members of Head Coach Darrick Matthews' crew scored double-digits, led by senior guard Tequaza Chambers, who scored 18 points, her most since the season opener (21 points versus Arkansas-Fort Smith). The Plain Dealing, Louisiana native was second in the group for rebounds with four while also tying for second in assists with three.
 
Chloe Wilbanks had an impressive showing as the senior from Leesville, Louisiana accounted for a season-high in scoring with 13 points after making five of her six attempts from the field.
 
Other Muleriders with ten or more points include Addy Tremie with 12 (5-13), and Elena Lijo-Rodriguez with 10 (5-10). Crystal Ortiz tacked on eight points but also led Southern Arkansas in rebounds with five.
 
The Muleriders continue GAC play next Thursday back inside the W.T. Watson Center as the group will face the Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm at 5:30 PM before hosting the Tigers of East Central the following Saturday at 1:00 PM.