MAGNOLIA, Ark.  - Southern Arkansas struggled from three-point range shooting just over 24% from beyond-the-arc and was outmatched inside finishing -20 in paint production as Northwestern Oklahoma came away with an 84-71 Great American Conference win on Saturday afternoon inside the W.T. Watson Center.
 
SAU trailed by ten points at the half, but closed the second half deficit by only being outscored 36-33 after edging the Rangers in points off turnovers and second chance points over the final twenty minutes.
 
The Muleriders made its second-fewest number of shots this season at just 22, but converted a season-high 20 free throws in 32 attempts from the line.
 
Senior Carel Ray Jr. led SAU with 15 points, junior Mohamed Traore followed with 13 points and junior D'Marcus Hall added 11 to round out double-figure scorers. Ray recorded 11 rebounds to notch his fourth double double of the season. Senior Gregory Hammond Jr. grabbed nine rebounds. True freshman Nevi Tell led with four assists and three steals.
 
The Muleriders hit the road for Oklahoma next week to take on Southeastern Oklahoma (1/11) and East Central (1/13). Live coverage links are available at www.MuleriderAthletics.com.