James Rallies SAU past LeTourneau

By: Houston Taylor

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Tony James scored 10 points down the stretch to push Southern Arkansas past LeTourneau 66-63 Monday at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center. The win avenged a 72-66 setback to the Yellow Jackets in Longview, Texas, on November 22.

Down 21-13 in the first half, the Muleriders clawed back to trail 28-27 at the break. They used that momentum in opening the second half on a 17-6 run for a 44-34 advantage at 15:26, connecting on 6 of 10 shots and hitting three free throws in that span. LeTourneau wasn’t deterred, and after a dry spell from both teams that saw SAU ahead 46-36 at 10:40, the Jackets moved in front 52-50 on J.J. Rockmore’s jumper and free throw with 5:41 remaining.

LeTourneau eased out to a 59-55 margin at 4:21 before James took over. The junior guard led Southern Arkansas’ 11-4 run to close out the game, scoring 10 points on four lay-ups, including consecutive three-point plays with free throws off fouls on the first two. James (5-11, 165, Bossier City, La./Bossier Parish CC) finished with a game-high 17 points in the contest, hitting 7 of 15 from the floor, including one trey, and both free throws. He also dished out a team-high four assists, and had two rebounds and a steal in 22 minutes of play.

The Muleriders (6-6) used a strong performance at the free throw line in overcoming a poor shooting night, knocking down 14 of 18 for 77.8 percent. The Jackets went to the line 10 times, hitting six. SAU shot just 35.9 percent (23 of 64) from the field, including 6 of 18 (33.3) three-pointers. LeTourneau was 27 of 63 (42.9) and 3 of 12 (25.0).

Senior center Charles Moore and junior guard Sanchez Dade chipped in 10 points apiece for Southern Arkansas, with Moore posting his third double-double of the season in grabbing 10 rebounds. Dade added three blocked shots and four steals.

The Yellow Jackets held a 43-36 rebound advantage, but committed 16 turnovers that the Muleriders converted into 19 points. SAU suffered 10 turnovers.

Rockmore and Dewones Smith led LeTourneau (8-3) with 14 points each and Dusty Evers contributed 10. Will Smith had eight rebounds.

The game was Southern Arkansas’ (6-6) final tune-up before Gulf South Conference play begins Saturday. The Muleriders host Arkansas Tech in Saturday’s match-up at approximately 7:30 p.m. following the women’s game at 5:30.

Photos by Aaron Morris