Southern Arkansas University matched its season high for 3-point field goals made and held on late for a 90-80 Great American Conference men’s basketball win over Arkansas Tech University at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center in Magnolia on Thursday night.
The Muleriders (13-11 overall, 9-9 GAC) made 15-of-28 3-point tries and out-rebounded the Wonder Boys 46-35.
“We were giving them too much space early in the first half,” said Chad Kline, ATU head coach, when asked about SAU’s 3-point shooting. “They traditionally always shoot it better in this gym, and tonight we let them get their confidence going. We made some adjustments and started crowding them more, but they kept going in. Rebounding was the No. 1 key coming into tonight for us. SAU is notorious for rebounding the basketball. We had a chance late, but we couldn’t get over the hump.”
After trailing by as many as 17 points with under 11 minutes to go, the Wonder Boys (15-9, 9-9) rallied to cut the Muleriders’ lead to 80-75 with 3:04 left. A pair of 3-pointers in the final 97 seconds — one by Aaron Lucas and the other by C.J. Elkins — allowed SAU to withstand Tech’s comeback bid.
Lucas scored a season-high 18 points and Gabe Gilliam matched his season high with 18 points for the Muleriders.
R.J. Glasper scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Arkansas Tech. Alex Brown netted 19 points, Leonardo Edwards contributed 12 points and seven rebounds and Montrell Williams had 10 points for the Wonder Boys.
Tech will welcome Henderson State University to Tucker Coliseum in Russellville for a 3 p.m. GAC contest on Saturday, Feb. 17.
Tickets ($5 adults/$3 students and senior citizens) will be available at the door. Faculty, staff and students with their valid ATU identification card will be admitted free of charge.
