MAGNOLIA, Ark., – Brett Jackson scored 11 of his 12 points in the first half, while Jared Strode netted 14 of his game-high 19 points in the final 20 minutes as the University of North Alabama men’s basketball team downed host Southern Arkansas 76-67 Monday evening on the SAU campus.

In the first half, Jackson was a perfect 5-of-5 from the floor and also pulled down six rebounds as the Lions took a 31-26 lead at the break. The Muleriders were able to tie the score at 31-31 in the opening minutes of the second half, but could never take the lead.

A three-point basketball by Daviel Clements gave UNA the lead for good at 34-31 and Strode added four baskets and six free throws in the second half to help push the Lions back above the .500 mark at 7-6 for the season. With the loss, SAU falls to 5-8 on the year.

Clements and Rory Miller added 11 points each for UNA. Harden Channin led the Muleriders with 16 points on the evening.

The Lions will now turn their attention to their GSC opener by hosting Valdosta State Thursday afternoon. The game, which was originally scheduled to be an evening contest, has been moved to 3 p.m. at Flowers Hall.