Lady Jags Lose In Overtime On Last Second Shot
The Jaguars lost a close, heartbreaking game with a layup with 0.7 seconds left in the overtime period. Jessica Starling put up a career high in points and Ra’Shawna Sippio recorded her eighth double-double in nine games in the tough loss.
The Jags jumped out to a great start scoring seven straight points while holding WKU scoreless in the first give minutes of the first half. The Hilltoppers were cold from the floor going 0 for 9 during that stretch. USA would pull out to a 19-11 lead before WKU went on a 11-0 streak to end the first half an go into the locker room with a 22-19 lead. USA would go 0 for 7 during that streak at the end of the first half.
WKU pulled ahead by five by making a shot on their first possession of the second half, however USA would answer back with a 16-2 in the next four minutes, with 11-0 run to start it. This lead to the jags largest lead of nine points, 35-26.
Near the halfway mark of the second half, the Jaguars lead was cut down to seven at 44-37 but WKU would quickly tie the game after scoring the next seven points. WKU would gain their largest lead of the second half, 52-48, with less than five minutes to go in the second half. However USA would take the lead back less than a minute later.
USA had the lead 57-56 and coming out of a time out when USA’s Sippio scored an uncontested layup under the basket from a Shakira Nettles’ pass. A stop on the defensive end with seven seconds remaining lead to a foul by WKU sending Morriah Smith to the free-throw line. She could not convert the first of a one-and-one to seal the win.
WKU grabbed the rebound and handed the ball off to McNear where she hit a 3-pointer from the left wing to tie the game up at 59 forcing overtime.
With 32 seconds left in the overtime period, WKU had a four point lead at 66-62 when Jessica Starling sunk a 3-pointer drawing the lead to one point. USA would call a 30 second timeout with 13 seconds left. Vontrice Dennis would foul sending Arnika Brown to the foul line with 12 seconds left in overtime. Brown misses the first but makes the second to extend WKU’s lead to two points, 67-65.
Freshmen Tashly Gaines subbed in for Dennis and she was fouled with 6.7 seconds left. Gaines made both shots to tie the game with 6.7 seconds left. McNear would take the inbounds pass and drove the length of the court and made a layup with 0.7 seconds left in the overtime period sealing the victory. This last second basket was her second last second, game changing shot of the game. She sunk the 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds left in the second half to send the game into overtime.
Jessica Starling scored a career hight 27 points on 9 of 19 shooting with 7-14 from outside the arch and hitting both attempts at free-throws. Ra’Shawna Sippio scored 10 and came away with 12 rebounds for her eight double-double of the season.
Amy McNear lead the hilltoppers with 20 points on 6 of 17 shooting while hitting 7 of 8 from the charity stripe and hitting her only 3-point attempt to send the game into overtime. Arnika Brown scored 19 and came away with 11 rebounds for a double-double. Kenzie Rich added 13 points as well.
For the game USA was 24-64 from the floor, 9-25 from 3-point range and 10-15 from the free-throw line. WKU was 19-65 from the floor and 3-7 from 3-point range but the telling stat was WKU going 28-34 from the free throw line. They went to the line 19 more times than the Jags. Additionally WKU outscored USA in both points off turnovers 19-7 and second change points 19-9.
USA (16-8, 7-6 SBC) will host Florida International Wednesday with tip-off scheduled for 7pm in the Mitchell Center.
Come out and support your JAGS!!!!
Western Kentucky Proves To Be Too Strong Down The Stretch For The Jaguars
WKU was too strong down the stretch for the Jaguars and won the contest in Bowling Green, 67-59. The game was broadcast on ESPN2 and Coach Arrow said, ““Fans got to see across the country what the Sun Belt is all about. Both teams made a good showing they just got some things done at the end that we didn’t.”
The Hilltoppers jumped out and dominated the first 3:57 of the game by holding them scoreless. WKU then pulled out to a 16-8 lead before they hit a cold streak for the next 4:04 allowing the Jags to tie the game.
The remainder of the first half saw the Hilltoppers pull away towards the end of the half for a 33-26 halftime lead.
Orlando Mendez-Valdez had a hot hand in the first half and that continued in the second half. The Jags pulled within two less than two minutes into the second half but Mendez-Valdez connected on one of his ten 3-point attempts to keep WKU in the lead. However by the 15:55 mark, the Jaguars took the lead, for the first time in the game, on a Ronald Douglas dunk on a pass from Domonic Tilford.
The Jaguars would pull out to their largest lead at five points at the 13:46 mark in the second half. But the Hilltoppers would not give up and would start working their way back.
After a few ties and swapping leads, the two teams would be tied for the last time on a 3-pointer by WKU with 3:47 left in the game at 59. After a timeout by USA, DeAndre Coleman would be whistled for a three second violation and USA would go scoreless for the final 3:47 of the game.
Orlando Mendez-Valdez lead all scorers with 24 on 9-20 shooting while going 6-10 from 3-point range and no free-throw attempts. AJ Slaughter and Steffphon Pettigrew both scored 13 for the Hilltoppers.
DeAndre Coleman lead USA with 13 points while three Jags scored 12: Brandon Davis, Ronald Douglas and Domonic Tilford.
The Hilltoppers record improves to 17-7 and 11-2 in the Sun Belt to stay in first place in the Eastern Division. While USA falls to 13-11 and 6-7 in the Sun Belt to be in 4th place in the Eastern Division.
The Jaguars will host Florida International at the Mitchell Center on Thursday, February 12th with tip-off slated for 7:05pm.
Come out and support your Jaguars!
Jags Win Second Straight Home Game Downing UNT
The Jaguars even their Sun Belt record at 6-6 and improves to 13-10 overall while North Texas drops to 12-10 overall and 5-6 in the conference.
The Jags lead most of the first half after UNT took the lead with the first score of the game. The Jags pulled out to a modest lead but UNT would close the gap to three at halftime, 37-34.
UNT would keep it close in the second half, getting within one point with 14:49 left in the game. The Jags would then go on a 19-3 run to gain an 11 point lead for the second time in the game, the other time was 9:38 mark in the first half.
UNT would then go on a 13-2 run of their own to take the lead for the first time since 25 seconds into the first half. But LaShun Watson would step up and drain two jumpers to score the final four points in the last 1:20 of the game.
Domonic Tilford would lead all scorers with 22 points on 6-15 shooting, also going 4-6 from 3-point range and hitting all six of this free-throws. Brandon Davis added 15 points and LaShun Watson added 14 including the final four of the game.
Ronald Douglas tied his career high with six blocks in the game in his second game back from a shoulder injury. DeAndre Coleman fouled out early in the second half without scoring any points.
North Texas had two scorers in double digits: George Odufuwa and Eric Tramiel both with 14. Tramiel also came down with 13 rebouds for a double-double.
The Jags travel to Western Kentucky for a 1pm tip-off Saturday that will be televised on ESPN2.
GO JAGS!
Determined Lady Jags Win Close Game Against North Texas
The Lady Jags hosted the North Texas Mean Green on Wednesday night after the historic announcement of the first football signing class. Those that stayed around were treated to a great game of basketball in the Mitchell Center.
USA went out to an early 6-4 lead in the first minute plus of the game but UNT went on a 19-2 run over six minutes to jump out into the lead. During that stretch USA went 1 of 8 and had seven of their 10 first half turnovers.
The Jags ratched up their defense and responded with a 15-2 run of their own to narrow the lead to just two points, 23-21, with under nine minutes left in the first half.
The lead would widen to as much as six at points during the rest of the half, but USA would not let the Mean Green get any farther away than that. Then with 4:22 left in the half, down 37-31, the Jaguars would reel off a couple scores to take a small lead at 38-37. However, UNT would drain a 3-pointer just before the half ended. to put UNT back on top.
USA would tie the game up early after halftime but the Mean Green would score six consecutive poitns over one minute to retake the lead and the momentum.
The Jags would stay strong and not allow them to get any farther ahead than six points though. This was the story of the second half, USA refusing to give in but rather keep fighting.
With the game winding down, USA was trailing 69-65 and Shakira Nettles sitting on the bench in foul trouble, Jessica Starling took over. At 3:32 she put USA back into the lead by one by draning a 3-pointer. Then two free-throws later, the Jags would lead by three, 72-69. UNT would tie the game with a long range three with 30 seconds to go. USA would score a basket to lead again but UNT would have an answer with a left-handed layup to tie it once again at 74 with six seconds left.
But a heads-up pass by Brunner to throw the ball over the top and out in front of Morriah Smith lead to her sprinting down the court for a layup and foul with 3.3 seconds left sending the crowd wild. After a time out by UNT, she easily drained the free-throw to put USA out to a 77-74 lead. A time out by USA allowed them to set their defense and UNT’s half court shot missed to preserve the win.
Shakira Nettles scored 20 to lead USA in scoring on 7-15 shooting, going 1-4 from 3-point distance and draining all 5 free-throw attempts. Jessica Starling scored 15 with 7-14 shooting and 1-2 from outside the arc. Morriah Smith rounded out the double digit scoring with 10. Ra’Shawna Sippio ended her double-double streak only scoring 8 points and coming away with 9 rebounds.
Amber Jackson of North Texas lead all players in scoring with 25 on 12-21 shooting and making one of her two free-throw attempts. She also came away with 12 rebounds to give her a double-double. Mansa El scoring 12 as the only other double-digit scorer on the team.
The Lady Jags up their record to 16-7 for the season (7-5 in the Sun Belt) while UNT falls to 7-15 overall (3-8 in the SBC). USA will next travel to Bowling Green Kentucky to face Western Kentucky Hilltoppers for a 2pm tip-off.
GO JAGS!
Jags Add A Total of 43 Players In First Ever Recruiting Class
Here are the numbers: 31 players signed National Letter of Intents, 22 of those players helped lead their teams to the state playoffs. Six players would win state championships. 19 players came from the state of Alabama, 3 of those came from Mobile itself. 3 sets of teammates signed with USA from the state of Alabama. Plus, one player signed from Montreal, Canada.
Another 12 mid-year newcomers round out the total of 43 that Coach Jones and his staff signed this year for the first recruiting class for the University of South Alabama.
Coach Jones said, “We were interested in bringing individuals with good character who are good students so that they can come to South Alabama and earn their degree.”
Also, nothing breeds success better than those with experience with success. Thus, the USA staff looked to find players from winning programs.
Since the Jaguars will begin playing football for the first time come September 5th, 2009, Coach Jones and his staff had to be very disciplined about signing players for the positions they help with. They had to be very careful not to pick up an extra player at a position that was covered while they still had need in other places.
They did an excellent job at signing good multi-position players. The highlight video compiled for the event in the Mitchell Center yesterday seemed to show several players that could play positions on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Not just your typical defensive back that can sub as a receiver, but a linebacker that can sub as a running back or receiver.
Probably the most surprising signee was Myles Gibbon from Montreal Canada. Coach Jones relayed the story of his father driving 27 hours to come to the official visit at USA then turn around and drive 27 hours back to Canada when it was over with.
The event at the Mitchell Center was very good, it was covered by all three local television stations. President Moulton spoke about the football program and showed a short video recapping the beginnings of football on campus, the board of trustees voting on football, and the hiring of Coach Jones for the head coaching position. He then turned it over to Joe Gottfried who also spoke about the process of football and hiring of Coach Jones. Then Coach Jones spoke about the overall recruiting class and their process of evaluating potential recruits. They let us all know that they probably reviewed film on over 800 players in order to whittle down to these 43 signees.
Since Les Koenning left the program earlier this year, Coach Jones introduced the quarterbacks. He then let the position coaches come to the podium and talk about the recruits by position.
Once it was finished, they presented another film with highlights of each of the signees from the previous season. The coaches then assembed in the lobby of the Mitchell Center and signed autographs for the attendees.
Below are the players who signed and comprise USA’s first ever recruiting class:
Name (Ht., Wt., Class, Pos., Hometown, Previous School)
Matt Autry (6-4, 210, Fr., DL, Norcross, Ga., Norcross HS)
Logan Bennett (6-0, 205, Fr., LB, Cairo, Ga., Cairo HS)
Corey Besteda (6-2, 175, Fr., WR, Jackson, Ala., Jackson HS)
Zach Brownell (6-1, 190, Fr., DB, Prattville, Ala., Prattville HS)
Randon Carnathan (6-2, 265, Fr., DL, Leeds, Ala., Leeds HS)
Clifton Crews (6-3, 200, Fr., LB, Atlanta, Ga., Jonesboro HS)
Marquise Diamond (5-11, 190, Fr., DB, Piedmont, Ala., Piedmont HS)
Myles Gibbon (6-2, 190, Fr., QB, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Vanier College)
Dalvin Harris (6-0, 185, Fr., LB, New Orleans, La., John Ehret HS)
Ellis Hill (5-9, 190, Fr., RB, Tuscaloosa, Ala., Hillcrest HS)
Greg Hollinger (6-4, 205, Fr., WR, Frisco City, Ala., Excel HS)
Bryson James (6-3, 200, Fr., LB, New Orleans, La., East St. John HS)
Jereme Jones (5-9, 170, Fr., WR, Mobile, Ala., McGill-Toolen HS)
Romelle Jones (6-2, 270, Fr., DL, New Orleans, La., East St. John HS)
Sean Kennedy (6-4, 300, Fr., OL, Mobile, Ala., Theodore HS)
Bryant Lavender (5-11, 180, Fr., WR, Gulfport, Miss., Gulfport HS)
Gabriel Mass (6-4, 255, Fr., DL, Jackson, Ala., Jackson HS)
Alex Page (6-2, 240, Fr., DL, Prattville, Ala., Prattville HS)
Jared Palmer (6-2, 170, Fr., WR , Tuscaloosa, Ala., Northridge HS)
Alex Phifer (5-10, 180, Fr., DB, Greenville, Ala., Greenville HS)
Devondrick Richardson (6-3, 210, Fr., LB, Clayton, Ala., Barbour County HS)
Vernon Saffold (6-3, 250, Jr., DL, Clarksdale, Miss., Coahoma [Miss.] CC)
Kyle Stewart (6-3, 225, Fr., QB, Tallahassee, Fla., Florida HS)
Josh Terry (6-3, 280, Fr., OL, Fort Payne, Ala., Fort Payne HS)
Will Thompson (6-5, 235, Fr., DL, Huntsville, Ala., Buckhorn HS)
Tony Threatt (6-3, 180, Fr., DB, Leeds, Ala., Leeds HS)
Tyler Tisdale (6-3, 265, Fr., OL, Petal, Miss., Petal HS)
Corey Waldon (5-10, 165, Fr., WR, Tuscaloosa, Ala., Central Tuscaloosa HS)
Enrique Williams (6-1, 210, Fr., LB, Mobile, Ala., Blount HS)
Montavious Williams (6-2, 270, Fr., DL, Cairo, Ga., Cairo HS)
Tyrone Williams (6-1, 200, Fr., LB, Thomasville, Ala., Thomasville HS)
Below are mid-year transfer students who enrolled in school for the spring semester:
*Heath Blount (6-6, 290, Jr., OL, Cleveland, Miss., Northeast Mississippi CC)
*Levi Slaydon (6-3, 270, Jr., OL, Picayune, Miss., Pearl River [Miss.] CC)
*Corey Pittman (6-5, 300, Jr., OL, Chickasaw, Ala., Mississippi Gulf Coast CC)
*Chris Payne (6-3, 320, Jr., OL, Vicksburg, Miss., Copiah-Lincoln [Miss.] CC)
*Steven Pease (5-11, 175, Fr., DB, Williamstown, N.J., Millford [N.Y.] Academy)
*Early James (6-2, 190, Jr., QB, Killona, La., Jones County [Miss.] JC)
*Jon Griffin (6-2, 280, Jr., OL, Ventura, Calif., Ventura [Calif.] JC)
*Chris Brunson (6-3, 300, Jr., OL, Tyler, Texas, Tyler [Texas] JC)
*Kevin Helms (6-3, 235, Jr., TE, Gulfport, Miss., Mississippi Gulf Coast CC)
*Brian Krauskopf (6-3, 285, Jr., OL, Santa Fe, Texas, Blinn [Texas] JC)
*Jordan Means (6-1, 180, Fr., PK, Hoover, Ala., Alabama)
*Limbric Windham (6-3, 175, Fr., WR, Mobile, Ala., Alma Bryant HS)
Coach Joey Jones Show Recap 2009-02-04
The entire coaching staff is at Wings Sports Grill for the Joey Jones Show. Coach Jones begins the show talking about the Signing Day Event at the Mitchell Center to present the players to everyone who is in attendance. As previously reported it will also be streamed online.
Great news as well is that the Joey Jones show will continue for a few more weeks and hopefully throughout spring practice.
At show time they have signed 27 to this point with a couple pending this afternoon but cannot name names. Coach Jones feels great about the ones they have signed and a couple have popped up late and could be great additions to the class some of them will be worked on this afternoon. Majority of recruits are from Alabama but several are from out of state. Rough numbers are about 5 GA, 2 or 3 from MS, 3 LA or so. They signed more defensive players than offensive players so probably 2/3rds are defensive players.
Did not go head-to-head against Alabama or Auburn, once they offered a scholarship USA would back off but would sometimes keep contact to make sure that everything continued to be okay. Its hard to get a kid if they think they might be able to go to Auburn or Alabama.
Coach Clark (Defensive Coordinator) speaking first on the show. They were looking for runners and hitters and stressed character, they were even looking for Defesive Lineman who can run. Emphasized speed over size, not just 40 yard dash speed but also speed in changing directions, hip speed etc. Multiple 3-4 defense so your defensive backs could be linebackers and linebackers could be defensive backs.
Kurt Crane (Linebackers) talked about the situation where if you wanted to sign about 9 linebackers you have to recruit about 65 linebackers. He praised the USA staff at doing a great job at targeting linebackers to get and actually landing them. He also cautioned the offenses that they will be playing to make sure and wear their gear and mouthpieces because these guys are going to hit and they are going to hit hard.
Brian Turner (recruiting coordinator and defensive coach) said that defensive line is going to sign 8 guys, about 4 inside and 4 outside. Some from will come from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Louisiana I think since he was speaking pretty fast.
Duwan Walker (defensive backs coach) has ties to south Georgia area. He has been looking at speed starting with hips and then foot speed. Have been looking far and wide from New York to California for Defensive Backs.
John Turner (Offensive Line, Guards and Centers) said the they have signed about three Offensive Linemen and he is really excited about them. He also said they could turn out to be some big strong top Offensive Lineman.
Mitch Rodrigue (Offensive Line, Tackles and Tight Ends) has ties to south Mississippi and Louisiana area and Coach Jones said these areas will be a key area for USA especially with Mitch’s ties to the area so look in the future for possible big signees from these areas. He was hired in July and was a bit behind on recruiting but he has already gotten on top of recruiting for next year. They have picked up some good tight ends with good hands and can block as well.
Dameyune Craig (Wide Receivers) is known around the area and also recruits this area. He won some championships in high school and was quarterback at Auburn. He is really excited about the guys coming in. Some big guys who can run as well as smaller guys who can make you miss. There are receivers in this class he thinks can play on the next level. He thinks in two years USA will be ready to compete against the other Division I schools.
Some names will be released at press conference at 3pm but all names will be released at 4pm at the Mitchell center.
Also when asked about the Offensive Coordinator position, Coach Jones said that Tony Franklin will not be his Offensive Coordinator (unlike what was said on the WNSP morning show in speculation). He will not reveal who it is going to be but he did not rule out naming him at the Mitchell Center event this afternoon.
2009 Verbal Commitments to USA
Here is a list of verbal commitments to the University of South Alabama. While they have not currently officially signed their Scholarships they have verbally committed to the Jaguars however until they have signed their National Letter of Intent they can change their mind.
Randon Carnathan from Leeds HS, Leeds Alabama. He is a 6’0″ 250lb 2 star recruit playing Defensive end. Carnathan recorded 119 tackles, 30 for a loss and 18.5 sacks. He caused four fumbles recovering two of them and an interception. He also rushed 88 times for 793 yards and 13 touchdowns during his schools undefeated championship season. ASWA All-State DL and Lineman of the year for 3A.
Keiron Wilson from W.P. Davidson HS in Mobile. He is a 6’0″ 195lb 2 star recruit playing Safety. Keiron had 88 tackles and three sacks during his junior season, no stats were available for his senior season.
Limebric Windham from Alma Bryant HS in Irvington Alabama. He is a 6’1″ 195lb 2 star recruit playing Wide Receiver. Windham broke his schools record for receptions during his junior season with 58 catches for 759 yards and four touchdown. He averaged 14.3 yards per catch.
Corey Waldon from Central HS in Tuscaloosa Alabama. He is a 5’8″ 161lb 2 star recruit who is listed at having 4.66 speed in the 40yrd dash at Wide Receiver. Waldon had 38 catches for 858 yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior season and racked up over 1,500 yards of total offense. He was named to Tuscaloosa News Super 11, selected West Alabama All-Star 5A Player of the Year. In 2007 he had 36 receptions for 896 yards and eight touchdowns. He also returned 12 punts for 400 yards and two touchdowns and eight kickoff returns for 205 yards. In addition to his 4.66 40-yard dash he also had a 31.5″ vertical jump.
Alex Phifer from Greenville HS in Greenville Alabama. He is a 5’10” 185lb 1 star quarterback.
Ellis Hill from Hillcrest HS in Tuscaloosa Alabama. He is 5’8″ 190lb 1 star recruit at running back and is listed as having 4.50 speed in the 40yrd dash. Ellis had 255 carries for 1,421 yards and 20 touchdowns in his senior season and was named to the Tuscaloosa News Super 11. He ends his HS career with 3,795 yards and 56 touchdowns. He started for his school since 10th grade and has a 3.58 GPA. In 2007 he had 134 carries for 941 yards and 12 touchdowns, 12 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown, 22 kickoff returns for 682 yards and 1,777 All-Purpose yards.
Tony Threatt from Leeds HS in Leeds Alabama. He is a 6’4″ 190lb 1 star recruit who plays strong side linebacker. He recorded 74 tackles and five interceptions during an undefeated championship season in the 3A division and was selected all-state first team DB. In 2007, he made 67 tackles, three sacks and four forced fumbles with two fumble recoveries as well as 24 receptions for 34 yards and four touchdowns on offense.
South Alabama Signing Day To Be Broadcast Online
Fans and supporters of South Alabama Football who cannot be at the Mitchell Center Wednesday will be able to watch a live stream online. The USA Athletic Department announced on Tuesday that the schools first ever recruiting class will be broadcast live on USAJaguars.com starting at 4pm.
In order to view the stream you will be required to have Windows Media Player.
The stream can be accessed through the schedule for live audio/video events on the multimedia page of the site. It will be underneath the ‘Countdown to Kickoff’ on the righthand side of the website.
If you are in Mobile and want to be a part of history, this event is free to the public in the Mitchell Center. Afterwards you can stay for the USA Women’s Basketball team hosting North Texas with tip-off scheduled for 7:05pm.
GO Jags!
Women’s Basketball Roundup 2009-02-03
The lady jags have gone 2-2 over the last four games since I last wrote about them on this site. Thus its time for a Lady Jag Roundup.
On January 21st the Jags hosted the SBC west division leading University of Arkansas Little Rock at the Mitchell Center. But despite Ra’Shawna Sippio’s third straight double-double USA fell 53-44.
Sippio tied a career high in scoring with 22 points and added 10 rebounds. She was the only Jag in double digits for the game. She added three blocked shots for the game as well. Chastity Reed of UALR lead all scorers with 28 points and 13 rebounds while Anshel Cooper chipped in with 11 points as well.
While USA came into the game with the second best average of 8.2 3-pointers per game, they were held to a mere 2-15 from outside the arc. Combined with 32% shooting from the floorand 71% from the free-throw line, it was obviously a long night for the Lady Jags.
On January 24th the Lady Jags traveled to Lafayette Louisiana to take on the Ragin’ Cajuns. A really good start in the first half helped the Lady Jags to come out with their 14th victory of the season and 5th in the Sun Belt Conference.
In the first half the Jags outshot ULL 57%-30% from the floor, 47%-17% from 3-point range but missed both free-throw attempts while ULL connected on 6 of 8 attempts.
The second half was even with the Jags hitting 9-23 from the floor, 2-12 from 3-point range and 5-12 from the free-throw line. While ULL went 12-30 from the floor, 3-8 from 3-point range and 2-3 from the free-throw line. So the 8 point lead at halftime led to a 14 point win.
The Lady Jags had four in double digits scoring. Shakira Nettles led the way with 18. Ra’Shawna Sippio added 13 points and 12 rebounds for yet another double-double. Shaniece Brunner and Jessica Starling both scored 11 points.
On January 29th the Lady Jags traveled to Denver Colorado to take on the Pioneers at Magness Arena. However another Ra’Shawna Sippio double-double could not lead the Jags to a win in overtime, 61-56.
Both teams were scoreless for the first two and a half minutes of overtime until Denver University scored. They then took a 60-53 lead on two consecutive buckets before Karina Sproal got USA on the board with three free throws. However USA could not come up with baskets in the closing seconds to lose by six.
Ra’Shawna Sippio lead all scorers with 21 points and 10 rebounds but no other Jag scored in double digits for the game. Denver had two double digit scorers: Britteni Rice with 18 and Ketlyn Murdoch with 11.
However the telling stats are from overtime. Denver going 3-6 from the floor, 1-2 from 3-point range and 1-2 from the free throw line while USA went 0-6 from the floor, no attempts from outside the arc and 3-3 on free throws.
On January 31st the Lady Jags hosted UNO in the second half of a double header at the Mitchell Center. The Jags captured their 15th victory of the season in their 68-60 victory.
Shakira Nettles lead all scorers with 23 points on 8-15 shooting from the floor while going 5-9 from 3-point range and 2-2 from the free-throw line. Ra’Shawna Sippio scored 14 with 10 rebounds for her sixth straight double-double. Morriah Smith and Jessica Starling both added 11 points.
UNO’s Jada Frazier scored 17 points, Brittany Helm added 14 and Cookie Johnson chipped in with 11 in the loss.
The lady Jags will host North Texas Wednesday night with tip-off scheduled for 7:05pm at the Mitchell Center.
Come out and support the Jaguars!
Jaguars Break Losing Streak, Down UNO 56-53
This was the fourth consecutive game decided in the final seconds but this time the game went in favor of South Alabama. After having lost three consecutive games on the last possession, it was a huge relief to the Jaguar faithful to be on the winning side of one.
USA lead the entire first half and went into the locker room with a nine point lead. However, in the first five minutes of the second half the Jags would see their lead fizzle away when a trey with 11:38 left in the game would give UNO their first lead of the game.
The game would stay close throughout the rest of the second half with the lead changing hands once more to the Jags and five ties. Jags held the lead at 54-53 with 33 seconds left when a 3-pointer by T.J. Worley missed its mark. DeAndre Coleman gathered in the rebound and UNO was forced to foul. Coleman made both free-throw attempts to cap off the win.
The Jags won even though they shot 30% from the floor compared to 43% for UNO. The Privateers hit 50% of their 3-pointers compared to 44% for the Jags. However, USA went to the free-throw line 24 times making 16 of them compared to UNO’s 13 trips and 7 made shots.
Points in the paint was even with 18 each, pts off turnovers USA 13, UNO 9. Second chance points USA 21 – UNO 7, fast break pts UNO 11 – USA 2, bench scoring USA 16 – UNO 0.
DeAndre Coleman lead the scoring for USA with 16 on 3-8 shooting, making his only 3-point attempt and sinking 9 of 14 free-throw attempts. Brandon Davis came away with a double-double by scoring 13 points on 5-10 shooting and going 3-4 from the free-throw line. He added a career high 16 rebounds, 13 defensive in the game.
Ronald Douglas made his first appearance since Jan. 17. He injured his shoulder during practice and had to sit out to let it heal. He did not score but did come down with four rebounds.
New Orleans T.J.Worley scored 25 points to lead all scorers going 10-19 from the floor, 4-8 from outside the arc and hitting his only free-throw attempt. Kyndall Dykes scored 11 to be the only other UNO player in double digits.
Coach Arrow said after the game, “I think we kept our poise, but the difference in this one was we ran our plays better, we got a couple of easy buckets and when they fouled we made our free-throws.” Arrow also added “Coleman’s second free throw was supposed to be a miss, but we were positioned in the right spots.” as an indicator that this game was meant for them to win.
South Alabama hosts North Texas on Thursday night at the Mitchell Center with tip-off scheduled for 7:05pm.
Come out and support your Jaguars!