MAGNOLIA, Ark. - In addition to its annual Community Night (February 8), Mulerider Athletics is excited to announce that two more fan engagements are scheduled for the remainder of the 2023-24 regular season. Student Appreciation Night is set for February 15 when the Mulerider Men's and Women's Basketball teams play host to longtime bitter league rival Arkansas-Monticello. Mulerider Basketball Alumni are gathering two days later when Southern Arkansas welcomes in Harding.
 
"Our students, especially over the past several years as we've experienced significant growth and support at Mulerider Basketball games, have been vital in creating a tremendous energy that has made the W.T. Watson Center a very tough place to play for opposing teams, noted SAU Director of Athletics Steve Browning. "We look forward to being able to show our appreciation to them for all that they bring in support of the Muleriders. I expect a big turnout and another great Watson Center atmosphere!"
 
Mulerider Athletics is teaming up with SAU Student Activities to show its appreciation to the University student body as SAU students in attendance on February 15 will have the opportunity to sign up and win gift cards (100 at $10 each), courtesy of Domino's Pizza, the official pizza provider of Mulerider Athletics. In addition to the gift card opportunity, students will have a chance to enter a three-point contest (halftime of the men's game) and cash pickup (halftime of the women's game) sponsored by SAB, while a spirit award will be presented to the rowdiest student organization. Sign-ups for the gift card drawing and contests begin at 5 p.m. on game day inside the W.T. Watson Center. Fans of all ages will be treated to free popcorn while supplies last.
 
On Saturday, Mulerider Men's and Women's Basketball alumni will gather inside the W.T. Watson Center for the 3 p.m. tip-off of the SAU women's game. Attending alumni will be honored at halftime of each contest. SAU Hoops alumni are asked to RSVP for the day here: www.saualumni.com/bballalumni.
 
"We are excited to bring several of our basketball alumni back to campus to honor their commitment to SAU and for them to see the successful present that we are in," remarked Browning. "We have a rich history on the hardwood and look forward to reconnecting with many of those that played a big part in this tradition."