JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A big second quarter helped push Southern Arkansas past the Lincoln women's basketball team in the season opener for both programs on Friday night (Nov. 12). The game was part of the Central Region Challenge, which is being hosted by Lincoln on Friday and Saturday (Nov. 13).

After falling behind by 13 midway through the first quarter, the Blue Tigers started a rally, with Niyah Jackson hitting a three. Ayreona Carter made a jumper to cut LU's deficit to 23-15 at the end of the period, and a pair of Niyah Jackson free throws, followed by a fast break layup from Imani Jones, pulled Lincoln to within 23-19 with 7:53 to go until halftime. Niyah Jackson finished the night with eight points, four boards and four assists, while Jones came close to a double-double, tallying 14 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks.

LU would eventually pull within three of the Muleriders, but SAU responded with a 24-3 run that gave Southern Arkansas a 47-23 lead at the half. The Muleriders went on to out-score 31-15 in the third quarter to take control of the contest. LU scored 25 points in the fourth quarter, though, and forced SAU into 20 turnovers during the second half.

Hya Haywood scored 10 points, dished three assists and pulled down three rebounds while recording two steals, and Carter ended the day with six points and four rebounds. Le'Yanna McGinnis and Kelsey Mitchell each contributed seven points, with McGinnis also notching eight rebounds, two blocks and steal. AJ Bradley blocked two shots and chipped in four points, and Ashtin Ingram also had a block. For the game, Lincoln rejected eight SAU shots and totaled 15 steals.

Haylie Holloway made a free throw and pulled down three rebounds while recording a pair of takeaways. Deija Jackson added four points to the Blue Tiger cause, and Kylie Bernskoetter had two points and a steal. Mercy Gonzalez rounded out the Blue Tigers with four rebounds, an assist and a steal.

The Blue Tigers will be back in Jason Gym on Saturday to host Arkansas-Monticello at 5:30 p.m. CST.