MAGNOLIA, Ark. — Southern Arkansas dropped a tight conference opener at home on Thursday night, falling 54–52 to Southern Nazarene inside the W.T. Watson Athletic Center. The game featured six ties and eight lead changes as the Muleriders battled deep into the fourth quarter but couldn't quite reclaim the edge late. SAU moved to 4–3 overall and 0–1 in GAC play.
Several Muleriders turned in strong individual showings. Marlee Bright was steady on both ends with 8 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and a game-high 5 steals. Shiloh Fletcher added 10 points off the bench, while Hope Bump knocked down two threes on her way to 8 points and 6 rebounds. Elena Lijo-Rodriguez and Johnna Brockman were active on the glass, combining for 14 rebounds and key second-chance opportunities.
SAU opened the night with early defensive energy, blocking three shots in the frame and using a pair of threes from Bump to build a 14–8 lead after ten minutes. The Muleriders controlled the paint and held Southern Nazarene to 4-of-16 shooting in the period.
The Muleriders stretched their lead to as many as nine behind baskets from Bright and Fletcher, but SNU responded with an 8–0 run to tighten the score. Despite SAU's 7 steals in the half, Southern Nazarene gained momentum late, but the Muleriders still carried a 27–23 edge into the locker room.
Both teams traded blows throughout a back-and-forth third quarter featuring four ties and three lead changes. SAU received timely scoring from Fletcher and Blythe Crawley, while Lijo-Rodriguez's activity on the offensive glass kept possessions alive. Still, SNU connected on two threes and converted all six free throws to grab a 43–42 advantage heading into the fourth.
Defense dominated the final frame as both teams struggled to string together buckets. SAU got scores inside from Bright and Crawley, but the Crimson Storm made just enough plays in the lane to hold their slim lead. A late Mulerider defensive stand gave SAU a final chance, but the potential tying attempt didn't fall as Southern Nazarene escaped with a narrow win.
"Tough one for us tonight," stated Head Coach Darrick Matthews. "We had several opportunities to separate from SNU and we just couldn't capitalize when we needed to. These games are extremely invaluable for us because we have so many players on the court that haven't played significant minutes against conference opponents. We learned tonight that you have to play with a sense of urgency all game long and you have to continue to make and finish plays. This group is learning and growing extremely fast and I'm excited for them to show everyone what we are all about."
Next Up:
Southern Arkansas continues its home stretch of conference play, as the Muleriders take on Oklahoma Baptist on Saturday (Dec. 6) at 1:00 PM.
