MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (12-15, 9-12) fell to the Ouachita Baptist University Tigers (20-7, 15-6) in the final home game of the season by a final score of 75-69.
 
The season finale inside of W.T. Watson was a packed house as the Muleriders honored their five seniors tonight while also celebrating student appreciation night and community night. The Blue and Gold got off to a hot start with two quick buckets to take a 4-0 lead less than two minutes into the game. The Muleriders looked like they had all the momentum early as they opened up an 11-3 lead with 15:41 remaining in the first half. SAU continued their momentum taking a 13-8 lead as Christian Caldwell threw down a massive dunk to send a wave of electricity through the whole gym.
 
The Blue and Gold then took their largest lead of the first with 10:44 to go in the first half as Zac Pennington drained a three to take a 20-11 lead. The Tigers then went on an 8-0 run as their offense began to pick up steam, closing the gap to just one point, 20-19 with 7:25 remaining in the first half. The Muleriders then regained the momentum as CJ Ray drained a three followed up by a good layup from BJ Davis then gave SAU a six-point lead, 25-19 with 6:27 remaining in the first half. The two teams battled the rest of the first half with the Tigers closing the gap to just one point but a couple of late shots from the Muleriders gave SAU a two-point 35-33 lead at the half.
 
Both teams saw a 51-second scoring drought, but the Tigers would eventually break the ice as Hobert Grayson made one of two free throws to bring Ouachita back within one point. Ouachita then took the lead with 17:40 remaining in the second half, 38-37. Nevi Tell then tried to regain the momentum for SAU draining a three followed by another made layup from Christian Caldwell as SAU took a 42-38 lead. Ouachita then tied the game with 12:23 remaining at 44-44 and eventually took the lead with 10:42 remaining. The Muleriders did not give up as Christian Caldwell threw down another dunk giving SAU a 48-46 lead. The Muleriders' lead lasted until the 3:32 mark in as Ouachita took a 61-60 lead and did not look back. The Blue and Gold would give it their all to go out with a bang, but the Ouachita offense proved to be too much down the stretch and the Tigers would win the game.
 
Top Performers:
Anthony Igiede: 20 points, nine rebounds, three steals
Christian Caldwell: 14 points, six rebounds
Carel Ray Jr.: 12 points, two blocks, two assists
Nevi Tell: 10 points, five rebounds
 
Next Up:
The Muleriders will be back in action for their regular season finale on Saturday, March 1st in Russellville, Arkansas in a play-in scenario as the winner of SAU and Arkansas Tech will take the final spot in the GAC tournament. Steaming and live stats for Saturday's contest can be found at www.muleriderathletics.com/livecoverage.