MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (5-5, 2-2 GAC) fell tonight to the Henderson State University Reddies (6-5, 3-2 GAC) by a final score of 80-70.
 
The Muleriders got the scoring going with an early three from Greg Moore Jr. as they jumped out to a 3-0 lead. Quickly after, the Reddies got on the board themselves with a layup, 3-2 SAU. The two teams battled through the first 10-minutes of the game as neither team took more than a three-point advantage. With 9:10 remaining, the teams were tied at 18-18. The battle continued to the three-minute mark as Henderson took their largest lead of the game going up by six points, 35-29.
 
The Muleriders pulled the Reddie lead to four points before the intermission and SAU went to the locker room trailing 39-35.
 
The Reddies came out hot from halftime extending their lead out to nine points with 17:38 to play. The Blue and Gold continued to battle pulling within five points with 13:21 remaining, 46-41 HSU. The Reddies offense continued to score as the Muleriders offensive struggles continued through the second half and HSU went on to win the game.
 
"Henderson did a good job today," said Head Coach Mark Rutledge. "They played together; they played hard. They forced us into bad shots as a group. We did not stick to our game plan on either side of the ball. What I love about this team is that we always regroup and bounce back. Today was a lesson learned for our guys."
 
Despite the loss, Jair Horton had a career game with a career high 21-points while also collecting his first double-double as a Mulerider with 11 rebounds. Four Muleriders finished the game in double digit scoring.
 
Top Performers
 Jair Horton: 21 points (career high), 11 rebounds, 2 steals, 8-12 from the free throw line
Junior Williams: 13 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
Troy'reon Ramos: 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Greg Moore Jr.: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
 
Next Up
The Muleriders will close the pre-Christmas portion of their schedule Saturday, December 20th against Ouachita Baptist inside the W.T. Watson Center. Tipoff is set for 3:00 p.m.