November 22, 2009

RiverHawks at Southern Arkansas Monday

 

TAHLEQUAH - Northeastern State men will battle Southern Arkansas University Monday night in Magnolia, Ark., in a non-conference clash at W.T. Watson Athletic Center. Tip-off is 7 p.m.

The RiverHawks, 1-1, are coming off a 60-56 loss to Harding University at Searcy, Ark. The Muleriders defeated Southeastern State last week, 70-64 to improve its season record to 2-0. In its season opener Southern Arkansas defeated Champions Baptist 80-54.

Southern Arkansas overcame an early Southeastern lead to hold off the Savage Storm in the second half. Southeastern came within four points of the Muleriders on four-different occasions.

The Muleriders secured the win in the final 30 seconds converting six consecutive free throws. Southern Arkansas sank 24-of-28 at the charity stripe, however, they were out-rebounded by Southeastern 40-23 and the Savage Storm scored 32 points inside the paint.

Junior Justin Stuart led the Muleriders in scoring with 18 points and pulled down 8 rebounds, as Southern Arkansas shot 20-of-46 from the floor (43.5 percent), including 6-of-13 from behind the arc.

Stuart is the leading point producer for the Muleriders through two games averaging 14.0. Channin follows at 13.5,  Chase Spruiell 13.0, Dade Sanchez 11.0 and David Noble at 11.0.

The Muleriders are scoring 75.0 points a game while allowing the opposition 59.0 points a game.

The RiverHawks enter its third game of the season averaging 66 points a game while holding opponents to 51 per game. Northeastern State is shooting 50 percent from the field (46-of 91) and 30 percent on treys.

Marlon Burnett, 6-2 senior, leads the RiverHawks in scoring, averaging 19.0 points an outing. Antonie Branch, 5-11 junior guard, is scoring 15.0 points and 6-7 post Jason Jones is averaging 14 points. Jones is Northeastern State's leading rebounder with 18 in two games for an average of 9.0.

Following the Southern Arkansas game on Monday the RiverHawks will have a return match with the Muleriders on Nov. 30th at Jack Dobbins Field House. Tip-off is 7 p.m.