MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (3-4, 0-1 GAC) fell inside the W.T. Watson Center tonight in their conference opener to the 6th ranked Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm (7-0, 1-0 GAC) by a final score of 69-79.
 
The Crimson Storm came out hot tonight with five straight points before a three from Greg Moore Jr. got the scoring going for the Muleriders. SNU then scored the next 15-points as they opened up a 17-point lead with 12:28 remaining, 20-3. Despite the big deficit, the Muleriders did not go away quietly as they began to chip away and pulled the game within 12 points going into half time. The Crimson Storm led 36-24 at the break.
 
The Blue and Gold came out of the half and scored a quick bucket as JaKourion Key converted a layup to pull within 10, 36-26. With 9:21 remaining in the second half, SNU opened their largest lead of the game at 21. Yet again SAU was not done fighting as they pulled the lead to just six points with 30 seconds left in the game, 73-67. Despite the late surge of offense, SNU converted free throws to take home the win and survive in Magnolia.
 
Despite their loss, the Muleriders outscored the Crimson Storm in the second half and had four players finish scoring double digit point totals while shooting 42.9% from the field.
 
"We cannot give a team like that extra opportunities. That was one of the worst starts to a game that I have seen," remarked Head Coach Mark Rutledge. "We played better once we stopped giving the other team the ball. How we started the game was on me. It will be fixed."
 
Top Performers
Greg Moore Jr.: 22 points, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal
JaKourion Key: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist
Junior Williams: 10 points, 3 rebounds
Jair Horton: 10 points, 8 rebounds
 
Up Next
The Muleriders will remain at home this weekend as they prepare to play the 15th ranked Oklahoma Baptist on Saturday, December 6th at 3:00 p.m. inside the W.T. Watson Center.