MAGNOLIA, Ark. - The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (10-14-7-11 GAC) fell tonight to the Harding University Bisons (17-7, 13-5 GAC) by a final score of 66-79 tonight inside the W.T. Watson Center. 

The Bisons got the scoring going with an early three to open the scoring for the game. The Muleriders then continued to battle through the first five minutes of play as Harding led 13-10 with 14:54 remaining before the intermission. With 10:21 remaining, the Bisons lead was cut to three as Junior Williams hit a three, 15-18. With 5:34 to go before the break, the Bisons led 24-15. The two teams continued to battle to close out the first half but the Bisons offense was hot opening up a 38-22 lead. 

The Muleriders offense began to heat up in the second half. With 15:26 to go, Harding led 49-28. Two made free throws by Jair Horton continued to cut into the Bisons lead. With 10:44 remaining, Harding led 53-37. SAU continued to battle throughout the last 10 minutes to play. Troy'reon Ramos cut into the lead again with 4:32 remaining as he hit a three pointer, 65-50. The Muleriders offense got hot late as they heated up scoring 16-points in the last four minutes of play but the Bisons offense was too strong tonight as they took the win. Despite the loss, SAU outscored the Bisons in the second half 44-41. The Muleriders were also 100% from the free throw line tonight. 

"Didn't get off to a good start. Credit to Harding," said Head Coach Mark Rutledge. "They had one of the best shooting nights of their season. We played better in the 2nd half. The guys played hard and forced several turnovers but Harding stayed hot. We needed a better start and we needed to do better on the glass."

Top performers 

Jair Horton: 13 points, 6 rebounds, 

Chase Jenkins: 16 points, 2 rebounds 

Junior Williams: 9 points, 5 rebounds

Up next

The Muleriders will make the long trip Alva, Oklahoma as they play the Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers on Thursday, February 19th. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.