By: Houston Taylor
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Host West Florida used some hot shooting to hand Southern Arkansas its first loss on the young season in a 73-52 decision Sunday in the West Florida Hoop Classic at the UWF Field House.
The Argonauts (2-0) shot better than 50 percent in each half and finished 25 of 48 from the floor for 52.1 percent, including knocking down 6 of 15 (40.0) three-pointers. The Muleriders (1-1) were 15 of 42 (35.7) and 5 of 19 (26.3). Both teams smoked the free throw line, UWF hitting 17 of 20 (85.0) and SAU canning 17 of 19 (89.5).
Southern Arkansas held a 19-13 first half advantage at the 12:14 mark, but Jonathan Jackson’s jumper at 8:19 pushed West Florida to a 22-21 lead that they would never relinquish. They held a 38-27 margin at the half.
The Muleriders were able to pull within nine (40-31) at 17:38 in the second, but never got closer as the Argonauts kept it in double-digits the rest of the way. The final margin was their largest lead of the game.
UWF claimed a 28-25 rebound advantage and had just seven turnovers, while forcing 14 from SAU.
Chris Brown scored 14 points in leading West Florida, while Charles Bouie and Jackson each had 12. Bouie also pulled down five rebounds.
Sophomore guard David Noble (Mansfield, Texas) and junior guard Tony James (Bossier City, La./Bossier Parish CC) paced Southern Arkansas with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Noble also had four rebounds, as did sophomore forward Justin Stuart (Hope).
The Muleriders are off until Thursday when they host Texas A&M-Commerce in their home opener. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center.
