MAGNOLIA, ARK.- The Miners faced  a setback today, falling 91-74 to the Muleriders of Southern Arkansas.

SAU's hot offense began in the opening period when the Muleriders gained an early 10-3 lead over the Miners. While back-to-back baskets from Mykala Baylor (South Bend, Ind./Clay) and Jordan Kabetske (Republic, Mo./Republic) got S&T within four, Southern Arkansas's shooters were hard to stop and put Missouri S&T down 28-15 after the first 10 minutes.

The second quarter was much the same as the first; the Miners had a hard time stopping SAU's quick-paced offense and found themselves down as much as 24 before the half.

S&T would get two late quarter buckets from Baylor and Kristin Keys (St. Louis, MO/Westminster CHristian Academy) to make it a 52-32 game.

The Miners fought to get back in the game in the third quarter, trading baskets with the Muleriders. While S&T shot 46% from the field in the third, Southern Arkansas was right on their trail and matched them bucket for bucket.

It wasn't until late in the fourth quarter when the Miners were able to get back within 15 of SAU.

With 2:30 left in the fourth, Laura Rodriguez (Gran Canaria, Spain/Baloncesto Torrelodones) drew a foul on a fast break and sank two free-throws to make it an 85-70 deficit for the Miners. From there, Southern Arkansas got consecutive baskets from Jerica Bell and Diamond Morris to keep their lead. S&T's efforts to make a comeback fell short and they suffered the 91-74 loss.

Mykala Baylor (South Bend, Ind./Clay) led the way for the Miners with her fifth double-double of the season of 20 points, a career high, and 13 rebounds while Jordan Kabetske (Republic, Mo./Republic) added in 12 points.
As a team, S&T shot 39% from the field and a season best 87.5% from the free-throw line.

Missouri S&T (3-2, 0-0 GLVC) will begin Great Lakes Valley Conference play next Tuesday, December 3 when they play host to the Saints of Maryville University. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in Gibson Arena.