ARKADELPHIA, Ark.  -  Henderson State wrapped up the 2024 calendar year with a 70-67 victory over Southern Arkansas at the Duke Wells Center on Thursday night. The Reddies have now successfully defended their home court in eight consecutive meetings with the Muleriders.

HSU outscored SAU 22-16 in the first quarter, which was capped off by a three-point buzzer beater from Natalie Cardenas. The Reddies bested the Muleriders by a combined score of 32-21 in the second and third periods as well. Despite a valiant comeback effort from the visitors, Henderson hung on for its second conference win of the 2024-25 campaign.

Brynlee Huggins recorded 20 points in the win: her third outing scoring 20 or more this season. She also made five threes, tying a season high that she set against Delta State on November 13. The junior from Pangburn, Arkansas, leads the Great American Conference with 32 three-pointers made in 2024-25.

On top of her scoring efforts, Huggins paced the Reddies with four assists.

Cardenas continued to build momentum with her third straight double-digit scoring performance. She finished the night with 17 points.

Klowie Pike reached the 10-point mark for the first time as a Reddie.

Makenna Winans posted four offensive boards for the second game in a row. She closed Thursday's game with a team-leading nine total rebounds.

Bobbi Bazzle had eight total boards and two blocks in the victory.

Following a two-week break from competition, Henderson State will ring in the new year at Arkansas-Monticello on January 4, 2025. Tip-off at Steelman Field House is slated for 1:00 p.m.