ALVA, OK- The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (6-10, 3-7) fell to the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rangers (8-8, 5-5) by a final score of 51-70.
 
The Rangers were able to break the ice first after neither team was able to score for the first minute and a half of the contest taking a two-point lead. Northwestern would hold a short-lived lead as the Muleriders would drive down the court and Anthony Igiede would record his first points of the game to tie it up at two apiece.
 
The Blue and Gold would struggle to find their rhythm on offense and with 11:55 to go in the first half, NWOSU would hold a 15-6 lead.
 The Muleriders would mount a 7-0 run to cut the Rangers lead to just eight points with 5:29 to go in the first half.
 
SAU would battle in the remaining five minutes of the first half, but the Rangers would take a nine-point 31-22 lead into the half.
 
At the half, Anthony Igiede would lead the team in scoring with six points followed by Carel Ray Jr. with five points and BJ Davis with five of his own.
 
The Blue and Gold would come out of halftime finding some offensive rhythm but with 15:18 to go in the second half, NWOSU would hold a 39-30 lead. With five minutes to go, SAU would trail 42-57.
 
The Mulerider's defense would battle all game but would come up short to the Rangers in Alva.
 
Team Leaders:
Carel Ray Jr.: 13 points (led team) and one rebounds
Anthony Igiede: Nine points and eight rebounds (led team)
 
Next Up:
The Muleriders will return home for a four game homestand kicked off by hosting the University of Arkansas at Monticello on Thursday, January 23rd. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM. The Muleriders tennis teams will also be recognized by receiving their championship rings at halftime of the men's game on the 23rd.