WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Senior Britney Jordan opened the 2008-09 season with 30 points, seven rebounds and five assists to lead the Texas A&M University-Commerce Lions past the Southern Arkansas Lady Muleriders, 88-57, on Saturday afternoon at the A&M-Commerce Field House.

The Lions (1-0) roared out to an early 16-5 advantage at the 14:53 mark, and a 20-0 spurt late in the first half helped A&M-Commerce take a 58-28 lead at the break. Jordan scored 23 of her points in the first half on 8-of-11 shooting from the floor, and Desiree Waller added 11 points as the Lions shot 52.5 percent in the half.

Southern Arkansas (0-1) tried to answer with a run in the second, but could only cut the deficit to 21 on a free throw by Shardae Thompson with 4:32 remaining. Genevieve Campbell followed with two free throws and the Lions closed on a 12-2 spurt to pick up their fifth straight season opening victory.

Joining Jordan and Waller in double figures were Nakazi Glover with 11 points, and Alisha Williams and Campbell with 10 apiece. Nola Taylor grabbed eight rebounds, and Angelique Robinson and Lametrius Edwards each recorded six as A&M-Commerce out-rebounded the Lady Muleriders, 44-30.

The A&M-Commerce defense forced 32 turnovers and held Southern Arkansas to just 37.3 percent shooting from the field. Jordan and Campbell each stole six passes for the Lions.

Aralee Smith and Kmaria Hobbs led the Lady Muleriders with 14 points apiece, Goldie White chipped in 13 and Thomson added 10. Hobbs also pulled down 10 boards.

The Lions return to the court on Saturday against Incarnate Word at 2 p.m. at the A&M-Commerce Field House.