LIVINGSTON, Ala. —Senior guard Michael Billings scored a career-high 27 points against Southern Arkansas, but the University of West Alabama Tigers dropped a hard fought 71-61 decision to the Muleriders Wednesday night at Pruitt Hall.

UWA (2-6) jumped out to a six-point lead five minutes deep into the contest on one of Billings’ 11 field goals on the night.  SAU (5-2) went on a 12-0 run over a span of three minutes to take its largest lead of the half at 30-22.  The Tigers clawed their way back prior to the intermission, trailing 34-30 at the break.  Billings tallied 12 of his 27 points in the first stanza while junior Kevin Johnson reached double figures in scoring with 10 at halftime.

The Red and White opened the final half with a 9-3 scoring run to take a two-point advantage at 39-37 with 15:40 remaining in the game.  UWA would extend that lead to as many as five points.  The Muleriders evened the affair at 44-44 at the 13:01 mark and would take control of the lead for the remainder of the contest.  They led by as many as the final score of 10 points on two occasions before the buzzer sounded.  With the win, SAU claims both games of the season with UWA.  The Tigers fell 83-49 on the Mulerider’s home floor back on Nov. 27.

Johnson, a native of Akron, Ala., posted his sixth game with double figure point production.  He finished with 16 in the 37 minutes of competition along with pulling down a game-high 13 rebounds.  Chris Malone pitched in eight in the setback.

SAU had three players reach double figure status, led by Mori Turpin’s 16 points.  Brandon Williams posted 12 along with Cameron Butler’s 10 points off the bench.

The Tigers return to action on Friday, Dec. 7, hosting Southeastern Bible College out of Birmingham, Ala.  The contest will be the final home game for UWA before the holiday break.  Tip off is set for 6 p.m. at Pruitt Hall.