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Defense pushes A&M-Commerce past Southern Arkansas, 75-55


The Texas A&M University-Commerce Lions held Southern Arkansas to just 18 points on 18.8 percent shooting from the floor in the second half to take a 75-55 victory over the Muleriders on Thursday night at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center in Magnolia, Ark.

“We came out and executed the game plan, and anytime you can come on the road and steal a win, it’s a plus,” said Lions guard Dominique Taylor.

Road wins weren’t the only thing the Lions were stealing, as A&M-Commerce forced 17 turnovers and grabbed seven steals against Southern Arkansas. Overall, the Lions’ defense held the Muleriders to just 34.0 percent shooting from the field.

After holding a 38-37 lead at the break, the Lions opened the second on 14-5 run, including 10 straight after Sammy Jackson broke a 42-all tie with a layup at the 15:05 mark. A&M-Commerce didn’t trail the rest of the game, and wouldn’t allow Southern Arkansas to get within double-digits.

DeUndrae Spraggins paced the Lions with 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Ronnie Morgan chipped in 14 points and five rebounds, and Cardell Hunter added 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

David Noble scored 12 points and Justin Stuart and Channin Harden both finished with nine to lead Southern Arkansas.

The Lions (2-1) have now won two straight, and picked up their fifth straight victory over the Muleriders (1-2).

A&M-Commerce will return to action on Saturday against Ouachita Baptist at 4 p.m. in the A&M-Commerce Field House.