Bison Hold Off Southern Arkansas

SHAWNEE – Oklahoma Baptist claimed an exciting 77-74 win over Southern Arkansas Saturday behind a 26-point effort by Chandler Rickey.
 
The Bison led by 15, 56-41, with 15:48 remaining in the game, but the Muleriders later used a 13-0 run to take a 60-58 advantage with 9:45 to play.
 
SAU had a 72-70 lead with 3:39 to go, but Rickey tied the game with a layup, assisted by Travon Moore, to tie the game at 72-72.
 
Neither team scored for the next 98 seconds, but Rickey was fouled with 1:48 to go and made both free throws.
 
Britt Hammons added a free throw at the 1:02 mark, but Devante Brooks dunked back an offensive rebound after a Rickey block to make it 75-74 with 51 seconds left.
 
Vladimir Nemcok was fouled and made one of two free throws for a 76-74 lead.
 
Nemcok scooped up a steal and Moore was fouled with 20 seconds to go. Moore also made one of two free throws for the 77-74 lead.
 
CJ Elkins missed a three-pointer and Hammons secured the rebound and the Bison win as time expired.
 
Rickey was 9 of 12 from the field and 7-8 from the free throw line. Moore added 14 points and Hammons finished with 11. Hammons led the Bison with nine rebounds.
 
Nemcok had five assists and four steals.
 
OBU shot 42 percent from the field and 26 percent from three-point range after missing all nine second-half attempts from the perimeter. Despite the late misses, the Bison were 22 of 28 from the free throw line.
 
OBU pulls even at 2-2 on the season and 1-1 in the Great American Conference. The Bison host Northeastern State in a non-conference contest Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.