MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas Men resumed play on Saturday, January 4, as the group faced the Harding Bisons to begin 2025. The Muleriders fell to the Bisons in their new year opener as Harding's shooting from all around the court proved too much for SAU. After a final of 61-76, the Muleriders move to 4-8 overall and 1-5 in conference play.
 
There looked to be a barn burner inside the Watson after a back-and-forth start for both teams as there were eight lead changes within the first 14 minutes of the contest. After the Bisons had jumped to a five-point lead with just under five minutes to go in the first half, Harding held on to its lead for the remainder of the outing.
 
The Blue and Gold's three-point shooting ended up being the group's shortcoming as Southern Arkansas was only able to cash in three of their 21 shots from the range while Harding managed to make ten of their 28 attempts from three.
 
The Muleriders won the battle in the paint with 35 rebounds to the Bisons' 33 while the group also accounted for more free throws made in the contest with 14 compared to the HU ten.
 
In terms of scoring, Southern Arkansas was led by Christian Caldwell with 15 points after the forward made six of his nine attempts.  Also scoring double-digits was Carel Ray Jr. as the senior accounted for 13 points with six made shots on 12 attempts.
 
The Muleriders continue GAC play next Thursday back inside the W.T. Watson Center as the group will face the Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm at 7:30 PM before hosting the Tigers of East Central the following Saturday at 3:00 PM.