FORT SMITH, Ark. — The seventh-seeded Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (14-15 | 9-14) faced the second-seeded Harding Bisons (23-6 | 19-4) in the first contest of the 2025 Great American Conference Championships. Harding claimed triumph against Southern Arkansas and advanced to the tournament's semifinals with a final score of 49-64.

Harding came out strong against the Muleriders as the group's flashy offense accounted for 20 points in the first period with Aubrey Isbell heading up the offense with six points after making three field goals (3-6) in quarter one. The Bisons held up the Mulerider offense in the first quarter to just four points coming from Tequaza Chambers and Addy Tremie.

The second period faired much better for Southern Arkansas as the group recorded a ten point quarter as the lights weren't too bright for Marlee Bright as she made both of her buckets and Riley Stanford making a contribution to the scoring as she shot 2-3 in the period. Chambers added on two more points making both of her attempts from the free throw line.

The Bisons still managed to hold onto their lead as the group accounted for 16 points in the period, which was led by a pair of three-pointers from Josie Williams (2-3). At halftime, the Bisons led 36-14.

While down big at the break, the Muleriders were far from giving up against the two seed in the tournament as Southern Arkansas outscored Harding 21-16 in the third period. Offensively in the period, the Muleriders were led by Chloe Wilbanks as the senior shot 2-3 from the field with a three-pointer and a pair of made free throws. In the quarter, SAU recorded three three-pointers as shots were made from beyond the arc by Wilbanks, Chambers, and Stanford.

Southern Arkansas attempted to mount the comeback as the Muleriders once again outscored Harding (14-12), but the Bisons lead was too great for the Blue and Gold to get back into the contest with the final minutes ticking down.

Leading the Muleriders in the contest for scoring was Chambers. In her final outing of her collegiate career, the Plain Dealing, Louisiana native tied for game-lead in scoring with 18 points along with three rebounds, two assists, a block, and a steal. Elena Lijo-Rodriguez led the group in boards as the junior accounted for eight in the contest while also having a pair of steals.

Making their final appearance on the court for Southern Arkansas was Qua Chambers, Addy Tremie, Chloe Wilbanks, Haylee Mitchell, Riley Stanford, Jada Gasaway, and Crystal Ortiz.