Southern Arkansas Completes Sweep of Philander Smith

Contact: Houston Taylor

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – A 14-3 run five minutes into the game propelled Southern Arkansas to a 22-19 advantage as they went on to a 96-83 win over Philander Smith Thursday at Mims Gymnasium. The Muleriders completed the season sweep, as they claimed a 65-57 decision in their season opener over the Panthers.

Former SAU guard Brandon Bealer’s three-pointer gave PSC their largest lead at 12-3 with 16:40 showing as the home team sprinted out of the gate. But Southern Arkansas quickly recovered, and after Darren Jamison’s lay-up made it 16-8 for Philander, junior guard Reggie Tims’ jumper at 14:59 ignited the Mulerider spree that overtook their hosts. Justin Stuart dropped in a lay-up, Scotty Lott hit a jumper, Brandon William’s trey tied it, and Lott’s bomb from downtown pushed SAU past the Panthers for good at 12:08, all coming in a span of three minutes. PSC didn’t fade though, and knotted it at 29-29 on one of two free throws from Stephen Murdock at 5:17. Southern Arkansas responded with an 11-4 run to close out the half, 40-33.

Philander Smith (5-7) closed to within five twice in the second frame, the opening bucket, and again at 15:41 on Bobby Green’s jumper. But the Muleriders shot a sizzling 65.2 percent (15-23) for the half to ward off a comeback attempt and held an 81-66 lead with 2:41 left. A barrage of three’s at the end from the Panthers kept it interesting as they knocked down five of eight in the last 1:45, including four straight from Murdock, to pull within seven at 90-83. In the process, they had to resort to the foul game, and SAU put it away at the free throw line, canning 15 of 18 in that span, with Tims banking nine of 10.

Southern Arkansas (4-1) continues to shoot the ball well, finishing at 50 percent for the game on 29 of 58, including nine of 21 treys (42.9), and canned 29 of 37 freebies (78.4). PSC was 27 of 68 (39.7) from the floor, seven of 23 (30.4) from beyond the arc, and 22 of 36 (61.1) at the free throw line.

Six players scored in double-figures for the Muleriders, with David Noble’s 16 leading the way. Tims added 13, Lott and Leon St. Rose had 12 each, and Cory Green and Mori Turpin chipped in 11 apiece. St. Rose posted his first career double-double, pulling down a game-high 11 rebounds to go with his 12 points. Tims also had a game-high four assists.

Murdock had a double of his own, leading all scorers with 27 points, and grabbing 10 boards. Jamison finished with 16 points and eight rebounds.

SAU looks to avenge its lone loss of the season Monday when they host North Alabama in a 7 p.m. tip-off at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center. The Lions nipped Southern Arkansas, 78-72, Saturday in Florence.