Tweet #theGAC  SHAWNEE, Okla. – In Southern Arkansas’ 72-63 victory against third-seeded Northwestern Oklahoma State in Friday’s second Great American Conference Men’s Basketball Championships quarterfinal contest from FireLake Arena, the Muleriders controlled the glass as they outrebounded the Rangers 56 to 25.
 
The tandem of Jalen and Devante Brooks spearheaded the stellar rebounding performance. Jalen registered the first 20-point, 20-rebound effort in GAC Men’s Championship history with 24 points and 20 rebounds. Devante added 17 points and 12 rebounds for his 19th double-double of the season, the second most in Division II this season. On the 34 shots the Rangers (20-9) missed, SAU (18-11) collected 32 defensive rebounds.
 
Despite the overwhelming rebound disparity, the game featured 11 lead changes and 12 ties. Neither side gained a double-digit advantage. Northwestern held a 56-52 lead at the eight-minute mark but would only make three field goals the rest of the way. Aaron Lucas put the Muleriders in front for good, 62-59, on a 3-point field goal with 5:20 remaining.
 
Foul trouble plagued Northwestern throughout the contest. Three Rangers, including Bubba Furlong, the GAC Defensive Player of the Year fouled out. Furlong played only 12 minutes and scored six points. Anthony Jones and Brian Free also fouled out. Chance Love reached double figures with 11 points. Larry White and Ravel Moody each scored 10 points.
 
Southern Arkansas will face seventh-seeded Southwestern Oklahoma State in Saturday’s second semifinal, slated to tip at 2:15 pm. The Muleriders and Bulldogs split during the regular season as both won on their respective home floors.