Box Score

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas men's basketball team led by as many as 17 points in the first half, but had withstand a furious comeback charge by Ouachita Baptist before the Muleriders secured their first Great American Conference win of the season, 71-60, on Thursday night at Bill Vining Arena.
 
The comeback effort by the Tigers (2-5, 0-3 GAC) started with 2:19 remaining in the first half as they closed out the opening period by scoring the final six points. That mini-run cut the Muleriders' (4-4, 1-2 GAC) lead down to 11 points, 31-20, as the game headed into halftime.
 
Coming out of the break, the Muleriders were unable to stop the run that the Tigers started at the close of the half as OBU would score the first 11 points of the second half to knot the game at 31-all. All told, it was the run to close the first half and the run to start the second half was 17-0 in favor of the Tigers.
 
Already battled tested numerous times this season, the Muleriders withstood the Ouachita run and did not surrender the lead at any point in the second half.
 
Helping maintain that lead was the Muleriders' efficiency on offense and their ability to hit late free throws. For the second half. SAU shot 50% (11-of-22) from the floor and shot 71% (17-of-24) from the charity stripe. Eight of the 17 made free throws came with the clock under two minutes.
 
Statistically, all eight available players scored at least five points in the game. Three were in double figures with Tre'von Wilkerson leading the way with 13 points. Tyrell Taylor was next with 12 points and Alre'k Brown rounded out double-digit scoring with 11 points.
 
Weather pending, the Muleriders will return to Arkadelphia on Saturday afternoon to take on Henderson State. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 4 p.m.