DURANT, Okla. — The Mulerider Women (8-5 | 4-3 GAC) made their first trip to the Sooner State this campaign, and the group took on the Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm (4-9 | 1-6 GAC). Southern Arkansas came up short in the outing, as the Muleriders fell to the Savage Storm 68-54.
Southern Arkansas was led offensively by Hope Bump's 17 points, as the freshman went 5-for-10 from the floor and made four of those five shots from beyond the arc, going 4-for-7. Bump was also responsible for six rebounds and leading the team in assists with three. Also accounting for double-digit scoring efforts was Kadia Ward (10) and Kennedy Moss (10). KD not only recorded a double-digit scoring effort, but was also responsible for leading the group in rebounds with nine boards, as well as tying for the lead in steals with Marlee Bright (3).
Southern Arkansas faced an uphill battle from the opening tip, as the Muleriders worked to find their footing early in the first quarter. While SAU showed flashes offensively, consistent stops proved difficult to come by, allowing Southeastern Oklahoma to build momentum as the period progressed and establish an early advantage, ending the first period down 18-15.
The second quarter saw Southern Arkansas continue to compete, but the Muleriders struggled to close defensive possessions and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Despite efforts to cut into the margin, Southeastern Oklahoma maintained control with steady offensive execution, sending SAU into the halftime break looking to regroup and reset, down 33-27 heading into the intermission.
Coming out of the locker room, the Muleriders aimed to generate a spark in the third quarter, but the momentum remained with the Savage Storm. Southern Arkansas battled through the stretch, yet turnovers and second-chance opportunities for the opponent limited the Muleriders' ability to string together a sustained run, heading into the fourth period trailing 51-46.
The Muleriders looked to climb back and potentially overcome the Savage Storm, but Southeastern had other plans. The Storm instead went on a 17-8 run in the fourth period to defeat Southern Arkansas 68-54.
Up Next:
Southern Arkansas looks to shake off the Thursday night setback, as the Muleriders will head to Ada, Oklahoma for a Saturday matchup with the East Central Tigers at 1:00 PM.
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