LUBBOCK, Texas — Southern Arkansas wrapped up its lone trip to Texas this season on Saturday evening, closing the Fairfield Inn Classic with a hard-fought 73–61 loss to seventh-ranked Lubbock Christian inside the Rip Griffin Center. Despite the elite competition and a hostile environment, the Muleriders battled throughout and refused to let the Lady Chaps pull away comfortably.
SAU saw four players finish in double figures, showcasing a balanced offensive night. Elena Lijo-Rodriguez anchored the interior with 12 points and seven boards, while Shiloh Fletcher provided a spark on both ends with 13 points and two steals. Kennedy Moss added 11 points off efficient 5-of-8 shooting, and Blythe Crawley knocked down a pair of threes on her way to 10 points.
Southern Arkansas opened the night strong, taking early leads at 3–0 and 7–6 behind buckets from Kadia Ward and Blythe Crawley. But Lubbock Christian caught rhythm from deep, using a pair of threes and a late triple at the buzzer to push ahead 24–14 after one. Moss added a jumper in the final minute to keep the Muleriders within striking distance.
SAU put together its best stretch in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to just five at 26–21 after quick baskets from Johnna Brockman, Fletcher, and Moss, which included a Fletcher steal that turned into a layup. Kennedy Moss splashed in a three to bring SAU within 26–19 earlier in the frame, and Lijo-Rodriguez stayed productive with mid-range touches and free throws. Still, LCU's veteran guard play helped the Lady Chaps rebuild a double-digit lead, heading into halftime up 42–30.
The Muleriders continued to compete, but every push was met with a timely shot from the seventh-ranked Lady Chaps. SAU got scores from Lijo-Rodriguez, Brockman, and Moss, that included a strong drive by Moss at the 5:20 mark to make it 53–39—but LCU countered with a trio of threes in the quarter. Hope Bump added a big triple to keep SAU's energy up, but Lubbock Christian entered the fourth with a 19-point advantage.
Southern Arkansas saved its strongest run for the final 10 minutes, outscoring LCU 20–13 in the fourth. Fletcher stayed aggressive, Moss continued to hit in the lane, and the Mulerider bench added key production to narrow the margin. Crawley and Fletcher both connected from long range, and the SAU defense held the Lady Chaps to their lowest-scoring quarter of the night. Though the comeback attempt ran out of time, the Muleriders closed the game with poise and momentum in a 12-point final.
Up Next:
The Muleriders will begin home play next, as the Blue and Gold prep to play the Gulf South Conference's Christian Brothers on Tuesday, November 25, at 5:30 PM inside the W.T. Watson Center.
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