MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Carel Ray Jr. recorded his third-consecutive 20-point game with 20 points and his sixth double-double of the season with 14 rebounds, but Harding used a 53.3% clip from three-point range to down Southern Arkansas 77-66 in Great American Conference action on Saturday evening inside the W.T. Watson Center. The contest featured five tied scores and seven lead changes in the first half, but Harding did not relinquish a 44-38 advantage at the intermission.

The Muleriders (9-15, 7-11 GAC) shot 37.7% from the floor, were much improved from the stripe with its third-highest team free throw clip of the season at 82.4% (14-for-17), but once again struggled from range netting just six of its 21 attempts. Harding bottomed 16 of 30 from three-point land as part of a 50% shooting night.

Two of SAU's first three makes of the game were trifectas, while Harding's first three makes were all threes. The lead for either team never grew more than four points through the six-minute mark of the first half as back-and-forth action ensued. With HU up 27-23, Brahm Harris netted a three to push the Bisons up seven, Igiede answered with a three and Rylie Marshall followed with a three of his own as the lead again grew back to seven with just over five minutes remaining.

The Muleriders responded as Nevi Tell hit a three, Christian Caldwell scored inside and Igiede nailed an attempt from deep to give SAU a 34-33 advantage with 3:02 left in the first half. Harding closed the opening twenty on an 11-4 run to grab a 44-38 halftime lead and then started the final twenty on an 8-3 run to build a cushion against the Muleriders who managed to only get as close as six points of the lead in the final 13 minutes of play.

Ray, who's two dozen field goal attempts were the most by a Mulerider this season, added three assists, one block and a steal to his stat ledger. Anthony Igiede followed with a dozen points, five rebounds and two assists. Four other Muleriders scored six or more points. Nevi Tell led with five assists as SAU reached a baker's dozen in helpers for the tenth time this season.

Southern Arkansas hits the road for two pivotal matchups in Oklahoma. The Muleriders take on Oklahoma Baptist on February 22 in Shawnee and battle Southern Nazarene on February 24 in Bethany. Live coverage links will be available at www.MuleriderAthletics.com.