WEATHERFORD, OK- The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (6-9, 3-6) defeated the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Bulldogs (7-7, 4-5) by a final score of 68-62.
 
The Muleriders won the opening tip and began the game in a big way as Jaren Harris found Christian Caldwell for an ally oop to open the scoring for the Blue and Gold. The two teams would trade blows throughout the first five minutes of the game leading to an 8-8 tie at the 15-minute mark in the first half.
 
The Bulldogs would try to pull away and extend their lead, but the Mulerider's offense would find their momentum to trail 14-17 at the 10:27 mark in the first half. At the 8:02 mark, SAU would retake the lead as Nevin Tell drained a three, 19-17. The Bulldogs would take a 23-19 lead at the five-minute mark in the first half thanks to two three pointers.
 
The teams would again continue to trade offensive blows, but SWOSU would take a five-point lead into halftime after making a half court three to end the first half, 28-33.
 
At the half, Carel Ray Jr. led the team in scoring with seven points. Rashaad Bishop also recorded six first half points and led the team in rebounds with five.
 
The Muleriders would break the ice first in the second half and cut the Bulldogs lead to two points after a three from Jarren Harris, 31-33. The Blue and Gold would take their first lead of the game since the 6:24 mark in the first half after a three pointer from Chase Jenkins gave the Mulerider's a 40-37 lead with 14 minutes to go in the second half.
 
The Bulldogs would try to claw their way back into the game but at the under eight media timeout, the Muleriders would hold a 51-46 lead over Southwestern. SAU would open up a 10-point lead with 5:26 to go in the game thanks to an Anthony Igiede jumper, 58-48.
 
The Mulerider's defense would stand tall throughout the remainder of the second half as the Bulldogs tried to climb back into the contest. Carel Ray would convert late free throws to ensure a Mulerider's victory.
 
The Muleriders would finish the game going 21-for-45 (46.7%) from the field and 9-for-18 (50%) from beyond the arc.
Players of the Game:
Carel Ray Jr.: 16 points (led team) and six rebounds
Anthony Igiede: 12 points and seven rebounds
Rashad Bishop: 12 points and nine rebounds (led team)
 
Next Up:
The Muleriders will finish their trip to Western Oklahoma Saturday, January 18th in Alva, Oklahoma as they take on Northwestern Oklahoma State. Tip-off is set for 3:00 PM.