Alabama-Huntsville pulls away from Southern Arkansas

By: Houston Taylor

SEARCY, Ark. – In a game of runs, Alabama-Huntsville had the last one and pulled away for a 71-54 victory over Southern Arkansas Saturday in the Harding Classic at Rhodes Field House.

The Muleriders (4-6) battled back from 14-point deficits twice in the first half for a 37-36 lead at 16:41 in the second frame on two free throws from sophomore forward Justin Stuart. But three-pointers from the Chargers’ Jordan Brewer, Casey Stafford and Kael Coleman, who combined for eight treys and 50 points, propelled UAH up for good as they held SAU off down the stretch.

Coleman’s three gave Alabama-Huntsville (4-4) a 47-39 advantage at 12:35 and Southern Arkansas would get no closer than seven points the rest of the way, the last coming at 6:33 on a lay-up from Stuart that made it 53-46. The Chargers rattled off nine unanswered points from there and then held a 65-48 margin at 2:34 as they rolled on to the win.

The Muleriders were down 34-20 at 2:32 in the first, but used an 11-0 run in closing out the half to trail 34-31.

UAH knocked down 11 of 24 from beyond the arc at a 45.8 percent clip, which proved to be the difference in the game. SAU was only 1 of 13 (7.7) from the same range. Brewer, Stafford and Coleman combined to connect on 8 of 17 of those, with Stafford hitting 4 of 8 to lead Alabama-Huntsville with 18 points. He also had team-highs of six rebounds and four steals. Brewer had 17 points, and Coleman finished with 15 and a game-high six assists.

Southern Arkansas hit 12 of 24 from the floor in the first half, but again struggled in the second stanza with just 8 of 24 (33.3) to finish 20 of 48 (41.7). The Chargers were 24 of 56 (42.9). The Muleriders connected on 13 of 17 free throws, while UAH hit 12 of 15.

Stuart matched Stafford for game-high honors to lead SAU with 18 points, shooting 6 of 14 and hitting 6 of 8 from the line. He added eight rebounds, including five offensive, and had two assists and a steal. Senior forward Charles Moore finished with 15 points and shared game-high honors with Stuart in pulling down eight boards.

Southern Arkansas held a 33-25 rebound advantage, but committed 22 turnovers that Alabama-Huntsville converted into 23 points. The Chargers had 10 turnovers.

The loss was the Muleriders’ third consecutive. They have a long holiday break, not playing again until December 30 when they host Central Baptist College at 7 p.m. in the W.T. Watson Athletic Center.