MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (9-13, 6-10) prepare for bouts with the University of Arkansas-Monticello Boll Weevils (4-18, 1-15) and the Harding University Bisons (14-8, 10-6) this week as the Muleriders fight to play their way into the GAC tournament.
Series History vs. UAM
The Muleriders currently hold a 72-44 all-time series lead over the Boll Weevils. The Muleriders picked up their 72nd win in the series with a 76-63 win over UAM on January 23rd. UAM will look to avenge the loss as SAU looks to sweep the series this week with a win.
Series History vs. Harding
The Muleriders currently hold a 58-49 all-time series lead over the Bisons. Harding has won the last three meetings over SAU sweeping last year's series and winning the first of two meetings this season by a final score of 76-61.
A Look at SAU
The Muleriders are coming off three straight losses most recently falling to East Central and Southeastern in their final road trip to the Sooner State this season last week. The men will finish their four-game road stretch this week on the road with rematches against UAM and Harding.
Despite losses to both ECU and Southeastern, the offense was able to keep both games within striking distance.
Christian Caldwell led the offense with a 16-point and 13-rebound double-double.
BJ Davis and
Anthony Igiede also led the scoring with 12 points each.
BJ Davis then went on to record another double-digit scoring game with his 21 points against the Savage Storm. BJ's 21 points came in large part to his five made three-pointers which tied a season high.
BJ Davis still leads the team in scoring with 280 total points and is averaging 12.7 points per game.
Anthony Igiede also provides another offensive weapon for the Muleriders with 234 total points scored and is averaging 10.6 points per game.
Anthony Igiede leads the team in rebounds with 122 and averages 5.5 rebounds per game.
A Look at UAM
The Boll Weevils are riding a nine-game losing streak coming into Thursday's matchup. UAM's only conference win came against ECU on January 9th but the Weevils were unable to sweep the series as the Tigers were able to avenge the loss last Saturday in Ada.
Seth Grandberry continues to be the leading scorer for the Boll Weevils with 369 total points and is averaging 16.8 points per game. Both of those marks rank him inside the top 10 in the GAC for both categories. Jamir Turner currently leads the team in rebounding with 111 total rebounds and is averaging 5.3 rebounds per game.
A Look at Harding
The Bisons are coming off a 1-1 weekend that saw a win over Oklahoma Baptist and at Southern Nazarene. Before the loss to SNU, Harding was riding a five-game winning streak that saw wins over Northwestern State and an overtime win over Ouachita Baptist.
Keyln McBride is the leading scorer for the Bisons with 353 points scored and is averaging 16 points per game. Sam Smith and Rylie Marshall are two more offensive weapons for Harding each scoring 318 and 283 total points respectively and are averaging 15.1 and 14.9 points per game respectively. Sam Smith is the leading rebounder for the Bisons with 136 rebounds per game and is averaging 6.5 rebounds per game.
Broadcast Details:
You can find the live streaming link for all this week's games on the Mulerider Athletics website as well as links to follow all the live stats from this weekend's action. '
Next Up
SAU will return home next week as they host Northwestern Oklahoma State University on Thursday, February 20th followed by Southwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday, February 27th. Thursday's game will also be student appreciation night inside the W.T. Watson Center.
