MAGNOLIA, Ark – The Muleriders return for a final hurrah inside the W.T. Watson Center before the most wonderful time of the year rolls up upon Southern Arkansas University. After taking a tough road loss to the Harding Bisons in Rhodes-Reaves Field House, SAU seeks redemption with the Ouachita Baptist Tigers coming into town on Saturday (Dec. 9) at 3:00 p.m. to potentially earn conference win number two in the process.
 
 
TOP PERFORMERS
Leading the charge for the Southern Arkansas offense is Carel Ray Jr. after he became the first Mulerider this season to surpass the century-mark for points with an even 100 thus far. Ray has made 40% of his 100 shot attempts this season as he is averaging 14.3 points per game. The Tar Heel State native has made sure to obtain possession for the blue and gold as he has recorded 55 rebounds this season (35 DREB | 20 OREB). Of the 56 team steals, CJ Ray leads the 'Riders with ten tallied through seven games.
 
Junior transfer Christian Caldwell comes in second in points with his 75 accounted for through the first quarter of the campaign after making 28 of his 53 opportunities for a 52.8 field goal percentage. Caldwell is one of four Muleriders averaging double-digit points as he has recorded 10.7 per matchup.
 
Redshirt-freshman Anthony Igiede has been almost automatic from the stripe in 2023 as he has made 27 of his 29 attempts (6^th/2^nd GAC), only missing his second free throw last weekend against Harding. The Louisiana native's 93.1 free throw percentage (2^nd GAC |16^th nationally) has been a large reason for his 72 points this season along with his seven three-pointers this season while also making 41.3% of his total shots. Igiede continues to impress in his first full-season as he also leads SAU in blocks with six (6^th GAC), including his game-winning denial against Henderson State (Dec. 2).
 
OUACHITA BAPTIST (2-5 | 0-2 GAC)
Losses to Central Missouri (4-2), Lincoln (Mo.) (6-1), Delta State (5-2), Harding (5-3), and Arkansas Tech (5-2). The Tigers look for their first conference win of the season and their third victory with wins over Ecclesia College (2-8) 103-73 and Dallas Christian (1-8) 91-42.
 
Ouachita Baptist leads the NCAA era series over the Muleriders 28-26. Southern Arkansas has won the last seven of the ten matchups against the Tigers with the last two going in SAU's favor. The last matchup saw a 'Rider 86-75 victory at OUA.
 
The Tigers' strong suit has been from beyond the arc as they have let the ball fly this season averaging 25.1 three-point attempts per game. Ouachita Baptist currently ranks second in the conference in three-pointers made per contest with 9.3 per game (50^th nationally). Their three-point percentage has them at fifth in the GAC with 36.9% being made. OUA's assist/turnover ratio sits atop the league with 1.14 while also being second in the conference in assists per game (15.0). The Tigers have been well-disciplined this season as they average just 14.1 fouls per game (2^nd GAC | 25^th nationally).
 
Ouachita Baptist has been efficient sharing the rock with everyone as the team has recorded 105 total assists this season with four members accounting for 10+ in which three of those have 15+. The Tigers' Tylar Haynes has been this squad's top scorer as he has recorded 96 points after making 45 of his 75 field goals this year. The Volunteer State native has also been Ouachita Baptist's top rebounder with 46 total rebounds (29 DREB | 17 OREB). Haynes is one of four players averaging double-digit points this season and has just the second-highest average at 13.7 points per game. Leading that category is Terran Williams with 14.0 per contest. Williams has played in just six ballgames (started in four) and has tallied 84 points thus far. The junior is making 48.4% of his shots while having a fair time at the line making 70.6% of his opportunities. OUA's top free throw shooter has been Emorie Knox making 86.7% from the stripe and missing just two of his 15 trips to the stripe.
 
This will be the Muleriders final contest at home before the new year. Southern Arkansas looks to leave 2023 on a good note heading into 2024 as following this game are two road matches against Arkansas Tech on December 17 and Drury on December 19. For more information on Mulerider Men's Basketball and more athletic events, check out www.MuleriderAthletics.com or look us up @muleridersports on X, Facebook, and Instagram.