RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (5-4, 2-1 GAC) defeated the Arkansas Tech University Wonder Boys (4-6, 2-2 GAC) by a final score of 84-80 after a slow first half turned into an instant double overtime classic.
 
The first half proved to be a physical defensive slug fest with the first points of the game coming off a layup from JaKourion Key to break the ice 54 seconds into the game. ATU then quickly tied it up and the battle was on. At the 14:45 mark in the first half, the Muleriders extended their lead out to six points as Junior Williams threw down a dunk to put SAU up 10-4. The Wonder Boys then fought back taking their first lead of the game with 9:07 to go in the first half, 14-15.
 
From the nine-minute mark in the first half, the Wonder Boys led the contest, but the Muleriders kept hanging around tying the game twice then taking the lead with 15 seconds left as Troy'reon Ramos sunk a three to give SAU a 28-26 lead at the intermission.
 
After only 54 combined points in the first half, the second half was much more offensive as the teams continued their battle. The Muleriders started out hot opening up a 39-30 lead five minutes into the second half. The Muleriders held their lead, but ATU did not go away quietly as they battled back and gained their first lead of the second half with 10:42 remaining, 43-45. Another Troy'reon Ramos three pointer immediately gave the Blue and Gold the lead back as they began another run opening a seven-point lead at the 6:19 mark in the second half, 54-47.
 
A layup by Jair Horton put SAU up by three points with 15 seconds to go but the Wonder Boys were not done yet as they ran the ball down the court and made a three pointer with five seconds remaining to set up the overtime period. At the end of regulation, the teams were tied 63-63.
 
Overtime began and Tech took a quick lead, but a steal followed by a fastbreak layup from Greg Moore Jr. tied the game at 65 with 4:04 remaining. The battle then continued as the team's traded blows with some clutch shots from the Muleriders to keep the game within striking distance. A made Wonder Boys basket with 32 seconds left put ATU up 75-73 as SAU got the ball back with a chance to tie or win. After the inbound, the Muleriders played for the last shot and converted as Jair Horton came up clutch with a driving layup to tie the game at 75 all with six seconds left. A missed three at the end of the first overtime for ATU sent the game to double OT.
 
SAU opened the second overtime with a JaKourion Key three pointer to take the lead, 78-75. From there, the Wonder Boys ran out of gas as the Mulerider offense picked up steam and Junior Williams converted two free throws with 22 seconds remaining to put SAU up by eight, 84-76.  A couple of late buckets from the Wonder Boys cut the lead to four, but the Blue and Gold emerged victorious, snapping a four-game losing skid to ATU and avenging their loss in Russellville from the past two seasons.
 
"Huge team effort! It's extremely hard to win on the road, especially at Arkansas Tech," said Head Coach Mark Rutledge. "I thought our guys did an amazing job of fighting and staying together through adversity. That's a character building win for us."
 
Freshman Junior Williams finished as the leading scorer for the Muleriders with his second double-double of the season recording 18 points and 10 rebounds. Troy'reon Ramos, JaKourion Key, Greg Moore Jr., and Chase Jenkins also finished the game scoring double digits.
 
"Junior was huge! Big time effort from the freshman," said Head Coach Mark Rutledge when asked about Junior Williams performance. "18 points, 10 rebounds, perfect from the free throw line, two major blocks. He battled through an extremely physical game. He didn't back down at all. He loves these moments, and I am extremely proud of him and how he is still growing. I love this team and am proud of how we fought."
 
Top Performers
Junior Williams: 18 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks (career high)
Troy'reon Ramos: 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal
JaKourion Key: 14 points, three rebounds, one assist
Greg Moore Jr.: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals
Chase Jenkins: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block
 
Up Next
The Muleriders will return to Magnolia for a Thursday matchup with Henderson State on December 18th inside the W.T. Watson Center. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.