PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (0-1 GAC) fell to the Winnona State University Warriors (1-0 NSIC) in the first official game of the 2025-26 season at the Central Region Fall Challenge hosted by Pittsburg State University. The Muleriders put on a gritty performance and came up just short losing by a final score of 60-59.
 
The Muleriders came out hot on offense, scoring the first six points of the game as back-to-back three pointers from Troy'reon Ramos and Greg Moore Jr. opened the scoring as SAU took an early 6-0 lead less than three minutes into the ball game.
 
The Warriors then started to battle back as both teams exchanged blows and with 13:14 to go in the first half, the Muleriders held a 10-9 lead. After the Warriors pulled within one point, the teams continued to trade blows before SAU opened its biggest lead of the first half thanks to a free throw from Junior Williams putting the Blue and Gold up 24-17 with 5:03 remaining in the first half.
 
Despite the lead, a late surge from Winona State saw them take a three-point lead into the half as SAU trailed 30-33 at the break. The Muleriders came out of halftime and quickly tied it up as Nevi Tell hit a three pointer to tie the game at 35-35 with 17:49 remaining. The Warriors eventually opened up a seven-point advantage, but the Mulerider offense did not go away quietly as they battled back to take a 48-47 lead with 11:23 remaining.
 
As the game continued late into the second half, the Muleriders retook the lead with 51 seconds remaining thanks to two made free throws from Junior Williams to secure his first collegiate double-double of his career with 10 points and 10 rebounds. However, the Warriors got the ball back and were able to convert a layup with two seconds remaining and seal their victory over SAU.
 
Despite the loss, the Muleriders outscored Winona State in the second half while also outrebounding them for the entire game.
 
Top Players:
Junior Williams: 10-points, 10 rebounds, first career double-double
Greg Moore Jr.: 11 points two steals, five rebounds
Troy'reon Ramos: 11 points, one assist, one steal
 
Next Up:
The Muleriders will continue play at the 2025 Central Region Fall Challenge tomorrow,
Saturday, November 15th at 11:00 a.m. as they square off with Bemidji State.