Magnolia can be a tough place to play. Just ask Christian Brothers. Last year the Bucs, ranked no. 8 and led by all-American Nick Kohs, walked into W.T. Watson Athletic Center and came away with 46-52 upset loss. So, Thursday's match up between Southern Arkansas and top-ranked Tech had all the makings of a trap game, and had it not been for a pair of tremendous performances, the Muleriders (9-12, 4-4) would have shocked a top 10 team for the second year in a row.

The teams battled back and forth for most of the game. By halftime the Wonder Boys (20-0  had captured a five point lead, and by the 13:52 mark had extended their advantage to 50-40. However, the Muleriders would bounce back, using a 16-4 run to take a 56-54 lead on a Channin Harden lay-up with just over seven minutes left. The two teams would trade baskets before reaching a stalemate at 64-64 with 2:15 remaining. Neither team would break the tie in regulation.

The Muleriders missed a golden opportunity as Damion Atkins last second tip shot came up short, giving the Wonder Boys a chance at redemption. They would make the most of it. In overtime Tech outscored the Muleriders 15-5 to walk away with a hard fought 79-69 decision and move to 20-0 on the season.

Renard Allen led the way with a career-high 28 points, surpassing his old best set in last year's GSC championship game against Valdosta State. Laithe Massey finished three assists shy of a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Jeremy Dunbar and Brandon Friedel chipped in 13 and 10 points respectively.

David Noble kept pace for the Muleriders with 24 points, while Channin Harden added another 17. The Muleriders played an efficient game, outshooting the Wonder Boys and commiting fewer turnovers, but Tech's 45-29 rebounding edge proved to be the difference in the game.

The Wonder Boys return to action Saturday against Arkansas-Monticello in Tucker Coliseum. It is Tech's first home game in two weeks, when it set a school attendance record of 4,122 against Delta State. The Boll Weevils (10-7, 5-2) have won four of their last five entering the contest. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.