Box Score

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Thursday night's matchup between the Southern Arkansas Muleriders and the Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm pitted the top-two scoring teams in the Great American Conference, but what figured to be a shootout wound up being a defensive struggle that saw Southern Nazarene edge Southern Arkansas by a score of 58-56.
 
In the first half, neither team shot the ball particularly well, but the Muleriders (10-12, 6-10 GAC) did hold an edge in that category as they shot 35% (12-of-34) overall from the floor while the Crimson Storm managed just a 30% clip (8-of-27). The Muleriders also took a one-point lead, 28-27, into the break as Duke Reed put-back a missed three-pointer by Reece Dunlap in the waning seconds of the first half.
 
In the second half, the Muleriders momentarily lost their lead on a dunk by SNU's Antwone Jackson on the first possession of the new half, but a pair of made free throws by Tyrell Taylor on the ensuing possession gave the lead right back to SAU.
 
That Mulerider lead would remain over the next nine minutes of play until SNU's Garrett Butler knocked down a three-pointer to give the Crimson Storm a one-point lead, 42-41, with 10:47 left in the game. As they did the last time their lead was taken away, the Muleriders got it right back on the ensuing possession as Chauncy Williams answered back with a three-pointer of his own.
 
From there, play would grow ever closer as neither team would lead by more than four points with the score being tied four times and the lead changing hands five times before the final buzzer.
 
The final tie score and lead changes in the game would not go in favor of the Muleriders as an old-fashioned three-point play by SNU with 1:20 left tied the game at 56-all and a put-back tip-in with eight seconds left gave the Crimson Storm the lead, 58-56.
 
The Muleriders would have one final possession to either tie the game and send it into overtime, or win it out-right in regulation, but a turnover in the front court sealed the win for SNU.
 
Four Muleriders scored in double figures with Jeffrey Walker leading the way with 12 points. Walker would also lead the team in rebounding with 14 to record his fifth double-double of the season. Joining Walker in double-figure scoring were Reed and Williams with 11 points each and Alre'k Brown with 10 points.
 
The Muleriders will be back in action on Thursday, February 20 as they play host to Harding University. Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. That night is also CCAPS/Upward Basketball Night. Admission will be free to all, and donations to CCAPS will also be taken at the front door.