JOPLIN, Missouri – After closing the 2020-21 team defeating Arkansas-Monticello to claim a first-round bye in the GAC Tournament, the Henderson State women's basketball team did not miss a beat in 2021-22, opening play with a 81-74 beating of Missouri Southern in game two of the GAC/MIAA Conference Challenge.
 
With the win over the Lions, HSU has won three games in a row and seven of its last eight dating back to last season. The win marks the fourth consecutive year the Reddies have won their season opener.
 
Ashley Farrar led the way for Henderson with 20 points on 8-for-16 shooting, including going 4-7 from long range, while also pulling down eight rebounds. Jadah Pickens (11) and Tamia Templeton (10) were the other two Reddies to score in double-digits.
 
Henderson saw its biggest advantage on the night in its bench as the Reddie reserves outscored Missouri Southern's bench, 29-13, as well as winning the second-chance point battle, 17-9.
 
The game was tight in the first half as HSU only had a two point lead heading into break after both teams saw 15-point second quarters. Missouri Southern won the third period by five as the Lions held a three-point advantage heading into the final frame.
 
A lay-up from Templeton and a triple from Farrar put HSU back up top within the first two minutes of the final quarter, 60-58. Missouri Southern would see the lead one more time before Henderson used a 7-0 run around the five minute mark to jump ahead, 69-62.
 
The margin was cut to as little as four before Pickens went on her own 4-0 run with just over a minute left to put the game out of reach. Henderson made six of its final eight free throws to ice the game, 81-74.
 
The Reddies (1-0) will return to the Leggett and Platt Athletic Center tomorrow, looking to go 2-0 to start the season when it takes on Emporia St. at 1 p.m.