MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (11-13, 8-10) gear up for rematches with the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rangers (12-12, 9-9) and the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Bulldogs (12-11, 9-9) as they try to work their way into the GAC tournament.
Series History vs. NWOSU
The Rangers currently hold a 15-10 lead in the all-time series history and have won the last three meetings against the Muleriders sweeping last year's two meetings and winning the first meeting of this season in Alva, Oklahoma on January 18th by a final score of 51-70.
Series History vs. SWOSU
The all-time series between the Muleriders and Bulldogs is currently tied 14-14. Southern Arkansas got the best of SWOSU in the first meeting this season and will need to continue those winning ways as they try to move up a couple spots in the GAC rankings and work their way into the tournament. SAU defeated SWOSU in Weatherford, Oklahoma on January 16th by a final score of 68-62.
A Look at SAU
The Muleriders had a highly successful week last night as they completed the series sweep against UAM with a 77-74 victory in Monticello. SAU would then make the road trip to Searcy, Arkansas where they would square off against the fourth ranked team in the GAC looking to avenge their loss in Magnolia earlier this year and continue to climb the standings in pursuit of a GAC tournament berth. The Muleriders successfully defeated the Bisons by a final score of 83-79 behind a 43-point second half performance and
Anthony Igiedes 20-point performance.
Against UAM, four Muleriders finished with double digit scoring performances led by
Carel Ray Jr. with 17 points.
Anthony Igiede (14),
BJ Davis (12), and
Christian Caldwell (12) also recorded double digit scoring performances in the win.
Anthony Igiede led the scoring against Harding with 20 points as another four players finished with double-digit scoring performances.
BJ Davis (17),
Carel Ray Jr. (12), and
Rashad Bishop (10) all finished in double figures.
BJ Davis leads still leads the scoring for the Muleriders with 243 total points and is averaging 13.5 points per game.
Carel Ray Jr. is the second leading scorer for the Muleriders with 236 total points and is averaging 13.1 points per game.
Anthony Igiede also broke the century mark after this weekend with 100 total rebounds on the season and is averaging 5.6 points per game.
A Look at NWOSU
The Rangers are currently riding a three-game losing streak dropping contests to Ouachita, SWOSU, and Oklahoma Baptist. Their most recent loss came against Oklahoma Baptist as they fell 87-98 to the Bison in Alva. Despite the loss, the two leading scorers for the Rangers were on full display as Cameron McDowell finished with 29 points and Max Alexander finished with 24 points.
Cameron McDowell leads the team in scoring with 581 total points this season and is averaging 26.4 points per game. McDowell currently leads the GAC in scoring and points per game and is ranked third in the nation in points per game. Max Alexander is another offensive weapon for the Rangers with 503 total points and is averaging 21 points per game. Kabeya Tshibangu leads the team in rebounding with 157 total and averages 6.5 rebounds per game.
A Look at SWOSU
The Bulldogs are on a hot streak as of late as they are currently riding a four-game winning streak which includes wins over Ouachita Baptist, Henderson State, NWOSU, and SEOSU. SWOSU picked up two wins last week with an 83-75 victory over NWOSU and an 85-75 win over SEOSU. Tobias Roland finished as the leading scorer against the Savage Storm with 23 points followed by Eli Al-Debaran with 18.
Tobias Roland leads the team in scoring with 320 total points and is averaging 13.9 points per game. MJ Warrior is another offensive weapon for the Bulldogs with 261 total points and is averaging 11.3 points per game. Warrior is also the leading rebounder for SWOSU with 107 total rebounds and is averaging 4.7 rebounds per game.
Broadcast Details
This week's home games will be live streamed on the Mulerider Athletics YouTube page. You can also follow the action with live stats on the Mulerider athletics website.
Next Up
The Muleriders will finish their regular season play next week as they host their final game inside the W.T. Watson Athletic center on Thursday, February 27th. SAU will then close their season on the road in Russellville, Arkansas as they play Arkansas Tech to end regular season play.
