Southern Arkansas University ended a nine-year men’s basketball drought at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville by defeating Arkansas Tech University 83-80 in Great American Conference play on Saturday afternoon.
Jaron Davis scored 22 points and Deon Andrews had 19 points to lead the Muleriders (8-6 overall, 5-3 GAC) to their first road win over the Wonder Boys since Jan. 13, 2007.
Arkansas Tech (9-5, 4-4) led 46-43 at halftime and by as many as nine points in the second half. A 13-2 spurt by Southern Arkansas gave it a 62-60 edge with 8:47 left, and the Muleriders never trailed again.
SAU held off any hope of a Wonder Boys’ comeback by making 5-of-6 free throws over the final 54.3 seconds.
Marquis Yates scored a team-high 21 points for Arkansas Tech. Jerry Owens notched a season-high 14 points, while Freddy Lee and Tyler Corley added 10 points apiece.
It was the Muleriders’ fourth consecutive win and the Wonder Boys’ third consecutive loss.
The Wonder Boys will host Harding University for a 7:30 p.m. GAC contest at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Monday, Jan. 18.
Tickets ($5 adults, $3 students and senior citizens) will be available at the door. Those with a valid Arkansas Tech identification card will be admitted free of charge. Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will have live coverage.
