MAGNOLIA, Ark. – A D.J. Freeman tip-in at the buzzer helped Oklahoma Baptist (13-13, 10-10 GAC) pull off one of the most significant wins in its Division II era, as the Bison defeated Southern Arkansas (17-9, 13-7 GAC) 76-74 on Saturday afternoon.
It was the first time OBU has beaten the Muleriders on their home floor in program history.
Freeman's game-winning bucket silenced the SAU crowd, who had just been brought to their feet with a three-pointer to tie the contest with 50 seconds remaining. Furthermore, it capped a six-minute stretch where Oklahoma Baptist shot 63.6% (7-11) from the floor.
Four Bison reached double figures, led by Ricky Brown's 16 points. Brown shot nearly 70% from the floor, knocking down a trio of threes while pulling down seven rebounds. Paul King scored 13 points, while Nigel Wilcox went for 12 points on 6-9 shooting.
Joshua Udoumoh rounded out the group with 10 points, five rebounds, and a 3-4 showing at the free-throw line. Freeman added six points and a team-leading four assists, while Caleb Riggs was 3-4 for eight points in limited minutes.
OBU shot 46.9% from the field and netted nine triples, shooting 45% from deep. Meanwhile, SAU posted advantages in field-goal percentage (48.2%) and rebounds (36-32). The opposition even led for 78% of the game, but the Bison hit timely shots, which was reflected in the final score.
Oklahoma Baptist started the game without a bucket through the game's first two minutes, resulting in a 7-0 Mulerider lead. Riggs put the Bison on the board with a triple to cap SAU's opening run.
SAU kept OBU at arm's length until Udoumoh converted a four-point play after being fouled on a layup, drawing the tally 20-16 with 10 minutes left.
Still, Southern Arkansas stayed hot, extending its lead to 10 over the next possessions. Then, the Muleriders went cold, allowing the Bison to tie the game at 30 with four minutes remaining.
The two clubs traded baskets until the halftime score read 41-36, SAU.
Southern Arkansas shot efficiently in the second half, but an aggressive Bison defense forced 10 turnovers. The Muleriders came out and pushed its lead 59-51, and then OBU made its comeback.
The next three minutes, OBU netted two triples and scored 10 points to tie the contest at 61. Then the Bison earned their first lead (66-65) since the opening half following an Ethan Scott three-point make.
With 22 seconds remaining and the game tied at 74, Paul King was called for a blocking foul that sent SAU's Jerry Carraway Jr. to the line. Carraway missed the front-end of a one-and-one opportunity that gave the Bison a fighting chance.
Oklahoma Baptist returns to the hardwood next Thursday at Southeastern Oklahoma State. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Durant.
