Looking to bounce back from their recent two-game skid, the Henderson State Women's Basketball team was stunned Thursday night at the Duke Wells Center as visiting Southern Arkansas handed HSU their third straight loss, 74-68.

In the game, the stat that jumps out most and played a pivotal role in the upset was the battle on the glass. The Lady Riders (2-15, 2-5 GAC) won that battle by out-rebounding the Lady Reddies (11-6, 4-3 GAC) by a total of 50-36. Out of the Lady Riders' 50 total rebounds, 22 came on the offensive glass. The offensive rebounds gave the Lady Riders numerous second and third opportunities to score, and they capitalized on those extra chances with 23 second-chance points. On the other end of the court, the Lady Reddies came away with only 10 offensive rebounds and were held to just two second-chance points.

The first half was closely contested with three tie scores and 11 lead changes throughout, but for just the third time this season, the Lady Reddies trailed heading into the locker room. SAU took a two-point lead, 32-30 on a lay-in by Shenelda Livingston as time expired.

After gaining the lead just before the half, the Lady Riders would play the rest of the game out in front of the Lady Reddies. HSU was able to tie the game on several occasions throughout the second half, but were not ever able to regain a lead.

Senior guard Cheree Freeman led the team in scoring with 14 points. Junior forward Destiny Smith followed with 11 points and a team-high eight rebounds. Junior guard Sheay Longstaff rounded out the Lady Reddies in double-figures with 10 points. As a team, the Lady Reddies made good on 20-of-23 shots from the free throw line (87 percent).

The Lady Reddies now take to the road for three straight contests with the first being at Harding on Saturday, January 28th. Tip-off for the game is set for 5:30 p.m.