RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Midwestern State gave No. 15 Arkansas Tech all it could handle in its season opener Saturday afternoon at Tucker Coliseum.

Senior transfer Regiane Araujo muscled her way for 23 points and pulled down 13 rebounds as the Mustangs led 50-48 on an Araujo layup with 9:39 to go.

"They had to do some major adjustments to respond to her," MSU coach Noel Johnson said. "They were really trying to flop on her, but she did a good job of dealing with frustration and finishing with contact."

But it wasn't enough to hold the Lady Suns' senior forward duo of Anna Baran and Amanda Grappe, who combined for 39 of Arkansas Tech's 73 points.

"They are a very smart and fundamental team," Johnson said. "Baran had a great game against us and Grappe could have had an even bigger game if she weren't dealing with foul trouble."

Baran finished with a career-high 24 points while grabbing nine rebounds, while Grappe, a WBCA Honorable Mention All American last season, dropped in 15 points with five rebounds and five steals before fouling out in 25 minutes of play.

The Mustangs used an 11-0 first-half run as they turned a 19-14 deficit into a 25-19 lead after Araujo hit a pair of free throws with 5:39 to go.

Brittany Bryant opened the run with a jumper before Savannah Carver canned a 3-pointer to knot the game at 19-19.

Araujo followed with a layup before Cierra Thompson hit a jumper and Araujo hit her free throws to give the Mustangs their largest lead of the game.

The Mustangs rattled off another 9-0 run to open the second half keyed by a 3-pointer and a traditional three-point-play from junior guard Andrea Buben.

But the Golden Suns turned 24 MSU turnovers into 24 points as Arkansas Tech was able to hold off the Mustangs down the stretch.

"We're not going to win games making the turnovers we do," Johnson said. "We need to become a more consistent team in making decision with the basketball."

Araujo was joined in double figures by Bryant, who scored 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting off of the bench.

Midwestern State plays host to Incarnate Word Thursday night at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.