MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Mulerider Athletics is excited to announce the dates of their annual fan engagement nights for the remainder of the 2024-25 basketball season. Student Appreciation Night will be held on Thursday, February 20th as the Muleriders play host to Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Community night will follow just a week later for the final home game of the season on Thursday, February 27th as the Ouachita Baptist University Tigers make the trip to Magnolia. February 27th will also mark senior night for both teams and fans are encouraged to come support the seniors in their final games in Magnolia.  
 
 "We have the best fans around and these two games allow us the opportunity to say Thank You for the support they give throughout the year," said SAU Athletic Director Steve Browning.  "Mulerider Athletics and the surrounding community have always partnered to make a positive impact on those around us and we are proud that we have the chance to grant a wish with Make-A-Wish this spring and make a positive impact with a child in our area."
 
Mulerider Athletics is excited to team up with SAU's Student Activities Board to show its appreciation to the University's student body as SAU students in attendance on February 20th will have the opportunity to sign up and win gift cards (100 at $10 each), courtesy of Domino's Pizza, the official pizza provider of Mulerider Athletics. In addition to the gift card opportunity, students will have a chance to enter a three-point contest and half-court shot challenge (halftime of the men's game) and cash pickup (halftime of women's game) sponsored by the SAB. Sign-ups for the gift card drawing and contests begin at 5:00 P.M. on game day inside the W.T. Watson Center. Fans of all ages will be treated to free popcorn while supplies last.
 
Community night also returns to the W.T. Watson Center on February 27th as the Mulerider Men's and Women's Basketball teams play host to Ouachita Baptist University. This year, Mulerider Athletics and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) are partnering up to highlight the nationally recognized organization "Make-A-Wish". SAAC and Mulerider Athletics will help to grant a wish for a young person this spring. While admission is FREE to the general public, Mulerider Athletics asks that fans and supporters consider making a monetary donation to help raise support to grant this wish.
 
Make-A-Wish is a nationally recognized non-profit that seeks to create and grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.  
 
Fans will be treated to free select concession items (while supplies last) and members of the community will have several opportunities to win prizes throughout the night with special giveaways planned.