By: Houston Taylor
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Southern Arkansas picked up its first season-opening win on the road in six years, claiming a 67-59 victory over Nova Southeastern (Fla.) Saturday in the West Florida Hoop Classic at Hartsell Arena.
The Muleriders’ last opening season win via the road came in the 2002-03 season when they knocked off both East Central (Okla.) and St. Edwards (Texas) at the Central Arkansas Alltel Classic in Conway.
It was SAU’s (1-0) first-ever meeting with the Sharks (0-1) as NSU quickly jumped out to a 10-2 advantage on Dionte Perry’s tip-in at 15:59 in the opening frame. Justin Stuart’s (So., Hope) jumper then kick-started an 8-0 run by Southern Arkansas that culminated with a dunk and jumper from Channin Harden (So., Marianna) to tie it. The Muleriders would go on to a 32-27 advantage at the break.
SAU maintained its lead the rest of the way, holding 12-point margins three times in the second half, the first at 13:42 at 46-34, on a pair of free throws from Stuart.
Nova shot 22 of 44 (50.0 percent) for the game to Southern Arkansas’ 22 of 56 (39.3) and held a 47-22 rebound advantage, but committed 27 turnovers that the Muleriders converted into 24 points. SAU had just seven turnovers in the contest and came away with 16 steals.
Southern Arkansas was 5 of 18 (27.8) from beyond the arc, and hit 18 of 29 (62.1) free throws, all in the second half after not getting an attempt in the first frame.
Harden had a game-high 22 points on 9 of 16 shooting and finished with five steals. Stuart posted 18 points and dished out four assists. David Noble (So., Mansfield, Texas) and newcomer Charles Moore (Sr., St Louis, Mo./Tennessee Tech) pulled down five rebounds apiece.
Perry recorded a double-double in his debut for the Sharks, scoring 17 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Tim Coenraad added 19 points.
The Muleriders resume play in the classic Sunday, taking on host West Florida at 6 p.m.
