[January 19, 2008]

Contact: Houston Taylor

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – A strong first half run from Arkansas Tech proved costly to Southern Arkansas as the Wonder Boys used that spread to overcome a five-point deficit en route to a 74-64 Gulf South Conference win over the Muleriders Saturday at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center.

With SAU holding a 15-10 advantage at 12:58 in the opening half, ATU rattled off a 24-4 spree over the next eight minutes for a 34-19 lead, before settling for a 41-31 lead at the break. The margin was too much for Southern Arkansas to overcome, although they eventually battled back to pull within 68-64 with two minutes left in the game.

The Muleriders started quickly in the second frame and cut their deficit in half (41-36) at 18:28 on Brandon Williams’ three-pointer. The Wonder Boys regrouped however, and after two consecutive buckets from Chad Henderson, were up 51-40 at 14:22. SAU rallied from there, getting it to 66-62 on another Williams’ trey with three minutes remaining before being down by the same count a minute later. They missed their final four shots down the stretch though, while ATU converted on two and hit two of four free throws to seal the win.

Arkansas Tech shot well on the road, hitting 29 of 57 from the floor, good for 50.9 percent. Most of their damage came on two’s as they were only 2 of 8 (25.0) from beyond the arc, and netted just 14 of 25 (56.0) free throws.

Southern Arkansas managed 24 of 59 (40.7) from the field, including 9 of 24 (37.5) from downtown, but hit just 7 of 15 (46.7) from the stripe.

The Wonder Boys scored 48 points inside, a lot of that coming from a 40-35 rebound advantage, while the Muleriders only got 22 points in the lane. SAU again uncharacteristically had a high number of turnovers (18), which ATU converted into 23 points, while forcing 15.

Henderson paced Tech with a game-high 20 points, while Jamar Flowers, who provided most of the punch during the first half run with 11 points, finished with 16. Darren Tarver added 14 points, and Renard Allen had 10. Tarver pulled down eight rebounds, while Flowers, Allen, and Laithe Massey each had seven.

Williams’ five three’s led Southern Arkansas as he added two freebies to finish with 17 points. Cory Green was the only other Mulerider in double-figures, adding 10. Cameron Butler grabbed eight boards, and Green had a game-high seven assists.

The Wonder Boys improve to 12-4 on the year and remain undefeated in GSC play at 3-0, while SAU falls to 10-6 and 1-2.

Southern Arkansas returns to action Thursday when they host Delta State. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.