MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Southern Arkansas led by 15 points heading into the intermission of Saturday afternoon's pivotal Great American Conference matchup with Ouachita and the Muleriders used a 55.6% shooting clip in the second half to post 50 points in the final twenty minutes in an 82-52 trouncing of the Tigers from inside the W.T. Watson Center. The day began with both teams tied for ninth and a game back of the final playoff spot, but the win moves SAU into a three-way tie for seventh place and two games back of fifth place with four games remaining.
 
In the win, Southern Arkansas (11-13, 8-10 GAC) shot 37% from beyond-the-arc; the second-best such percentage for the Muleriders this season when making at least ten three-point attempts. SAU's ten makes from range are the most against a Division II opponent this season. Junior guard Aaron Lucas and freshman guard Dodge Brown each made a trio of three-point attempts.
 
Twenty Ouachita turnovers led to 28 points for the Muleriders, while the Tigers managed to turn 16 SAU turnovers into just 11 points. SAU grabbed 47 rebounds and finished with a +22 rebound margin.
 
Lucas led the Muleriders in scoring for the sixth time this season as he went for 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, one block and a steal. Sophomore combo Jalen Brooks followed with 14 points and a game-high eight rebounds with two steals and a block. Brown added a dozen points.
 
The win moves Southern Arkansas to 17-1 in their last 18 home games against in-state GAC competition. It also avenges a 68-67 loss to the Tigers back on December 7.
 
Southern Arkansas prepares for its final home games of the season as the Muleriders are back in action on Thursday, February 20 for a Community Night tilt with nationally ranked Southeastern Oklahoma State at 7:30 p.m. Live coverage links are available at www.MuleriderAthletics.com.