MAGNOLIA, Ark. – SWOSU Women's Basketball never got its footing in an 88-55 loss to Southern Arkansas on Thursday night in the first game back from Christmas Break. 

The Lady Bulldogs turned the ball over 15 times in the first quarter, shot 20% in the second quarter, and trailed Southern Arkansas 55-23 at halftime. The deficit got to as many as 35 points in the second half, as the Muleriders went on to cruise to victory and hand SWOSU the second conference loss of the season.

SWOSU did outscore SAU 22-12 in the third quarter thanks to a late run but could not carry any further momentum into the game's final 10 minutes.

Mason Jones led the offense with 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the three-point line. Averi Zinn connected on another four three balls for her 12 points. Lanie Gooch added 11.

SWOSU shot just 31% as a team overall in the game, tying a season low, but did manage to finish 12-for-29 (41%) from deep. The Bulldogs ended up turning the ball over 24 total times, a season high, which SAU converted into 30 points.

SWOSU (6-5, 3-2 GAC) will have an opportunity to quickly bounce back following the tough result. Arkansas-Monticello is next on the docket on Saturday, January 6 at 1:00 pm.