MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (8-13, 5-10 GAC) held on for the overtime victory over Southeastern Oklahoma State (5-16, 4-11 GAC) winning by a final score of 83-79.

The Savage Storm came out swinging in the contest scoring the game's first six points until Troy'reon Ramos broke the ice for the Muleriders with a three pointer to cut the lead in half. JaKourion Key then cut the lead to one with a tip in layup as the battle was on. SAU took their first lead of the game as Chase Jenkins drained a three to take a 13-11 lead with 11:23 remaining.

The two teams traded blows as the lead changed back and forth. With five minutes remaining in the first half the Savage Storm had stretched the lead out to 29-26. The Muleriders then battled back and retook the lead with 3:24 remaining before the break as Greg Moore Jr. drained a three putting SAU up 33-31. With 23 seconds to go before half, Jair Horton stepped to the free throw line making both shots to go up 42-40 taking a lead into the half.

SAU came out firing in the second half as Greg Moore Jr. hit an early three just 14 seconds into the second half putting the Blue and Gold up 45-40. The two teams continued to battle as SAU opened up a 50-44 lead with 16:33 remaining. The Savage Storm took their first lead of the second half with 13:05 remaining converting two free throws, 53-52. With 7:30 remaining, SAU took a 66-65 lead as the teams continued to battle with neither team gaining more than a three-point advantage from 13:05 on. The Muleriders took the lead with 1:19 remaining off a Chase Jenkins tip in layup, 76-75. The Savage Storm drove down the court and Chandler Dickinson got fouled as he went 1-for-2 at the line to tie the game at 76-76 as the teams headed to overtime.

Overtime began with Jair Horton breaking the ice and scoring an early tip in layup which was followed by Greg Moore Jr. hitting a three pointer to take a five-point advantage, 78-76. The Savage Storm battled back cutting the SAU lead to two points with 15 seconds remaining  but the Blue and Gold still led, 81-79. Two late free throws from Troy'reon Ramos held the Savage Storm off enough for SAU to escape with the overtime win.

"Sometimes it can be hard to bounce back from a buzzer beater loss, but this group never gave in," said Head Coach Mark Rutledge. "They never quit believing. Huge game today for Chase Jenkins. We see that guy everyday in practice so no one was surprised. I'm extremely happy to see him put it together in-game. I'm almost 100% sure that five total team turnover is a season low for us. We've emphasized ball security and rebounding continuously. Proud of how we fought and stayed together."

Top Performers

Greg Moore Jr.: 17 points, 5 three pointers made, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal

Jair Horton: 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal

JaKourion Key: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist

Chase Jenkins:  15 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist

Up Next

The Muleriders will have a quick turnaround as they prepare to take a trip to Arkadelphia, Arkansas this Monday, February 9th against Henderson State. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.