Hot-shooting Muleriders roll over Bisons in GAC play

Southern Arkansas shot 52 percent from the field, including 60 percent in the second half, to pound Harding 88-58 Saturday afternoon.

"This was an impressive performance by our kids today," said SAU's Andy Sharpe. "We defended and shot the ball all the way around. We did things with urgency and saw a lot of things come together."

The Muleriders improved to 12-14 on the season and 10-10 in GAC action.

With the win, and a loss by Northwestern Oklahoma, they clinched a spot in the GAC Tournament.

It will be the Muleriders' sixth consecutive postseason appearance and fifth straight under Sharpe.

"Overall, what a way for our seniors to go out," said the coach.

The Muleriders led by only five, 33-28, at the half but outscored the Bisons 55-30 over the next 20 minutes.

SAU's defense held Harding to 34 percent shooting in the game, which included only 29 percent in the first half.

The Muleriders' biggest lead in the battle was 34, which came with just over a minute to play.

Keeton Tennison, who was 6-of-9 from 3-point range, finished with a game-high 25 points. C.J. Elkins followed with 18 and Denarious Lockhart added 17. De'Sean Dockery contributed 14 points.

The Muleriders will play Thursday night at Southern Nazarene and Saturday afternoon at Oklahoma Baptist.

In women's action, the Lady Muleriders came up short 49-46 to the 20th-ranked Lady Bisons.

SAU trailed 25-23 at the half and the game was tied 37-37 with 4:30 to play in the final period.

Harding held off the Lady Muleriders the rest of the way and won by three.

Makaila Jordan paced SAU with 16 points, followed by Caroline Ficher with 11. Jasmyn Eckerman added 10.

The Lady Muleriders, now 5-19 overall and 3-17 in the GAC, will also be on the road this week with a pair of conference games in Oklahoma.

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