ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Incredible team defense carried the day for Henderson State in its conference opener on Thursday evening as the Reddies stonewalled Southern Arkansas in a 58-41 win at the Duke Wells Center.

Henderson (4-1, 1-0) held the Muleriders to just 23.5% shooting from the floor on the night. SAU was 12-of-51 from the field and finished the game with almost 10 more turnovers (21) than made baskets (12). Southern Arkansas's 41 total points were the fewest by any HSU opponent since 2006 when the Reddies held Ouachita Baptist to 38.

Chris Parker led the Reddies in scoring for the fifth-straight game and was the only player in double figures with 15 points on 6-for-12 shooting. Nine other players scored for HSU and Raekwon Rogers turned in a monster performance on the glass, where he grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds, including seven offensive.

It was a struggle to score early for both teams, but with Henderson leading 16-12 at the 6:54 mark of the first half, the Reddies put together a 12-5 run which helped them build a 28-17 advantage at the break. SAU shot just 21.7% in the first half while HSU shot 25%.

A 7-0 spurt to begin the second half put the Reddies in complete control with a 35-17 lead. That advantage grew as large as 22 points for Henderson down the stretch, as the Muleriders, who remained ice-cold thanks to HSU's stifling defense, never came within striking distance in a comfortable win.

The Reddies will look to improve to 2-0 in Great American Conference play on Saturday when they host Arkansas Tech at 3 p.m.