BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The University of South Alabama's women's basketball team (5-6) fell 66-41 at UAB (6-4) in the last nonconference game of the season on Wednesday afternoon at Bartow Arena.  The Blazers' hot shooting was too much for the Jaguars as UAB went 49.0% (24-49) from the field and 52.9% (9-17) from the three-point line while South Alabama was just 27.5% (14-15) from the field and 33.3% (7-21) from three.
 
"We only scored six points in the second quarter, and that just allowed UAB to get out a big lead," said head coach Terry Fowler.  "If you look at the final stats it's an even game other than made shots.  We have to figure out a way to score.  I told the team in the locker room that ultimately they have to make shots, but the coaching staff needs to come up with solutions to help them with that process."
 
The game was tight for the first five minutes as the two teams traded baskets.  Erin Autio hit two three-pointers, and Ellis hit a jumper and layup.  UAB made four of its first five shots, including three three-pointers, for an 11-10 lead.  The Blazers then ended the quarter with a 10-5 scoring advantage that included a 9-0 run.  UAB shot a blistering 75% (8-12) from the field and 80% (4-5) from three in the quarter.
 
UAB's lead grew to double-digits after South Alabama only scored six points, all by Ellis, in the second quarter.  UAB's Keonna Farmer made a layup and Deanna Kuzmanic hit a three-pointer, and Ellis responded in the following possessions with jumpers of her own to cut the Jags' deficit to nine with 6:27 remaining in the first half.
 
The Blazers ended the second quarter with a 9-2 run for a 35-21 lead at halftime.  The Jags didn't score until Ellis made a pair of free throws with one second remaining in the half.  South Alabama went just 2-14 (14.3%) from the field in the quarter.
 
South Alabama was able to cut its deficit to 10 points when Colby Davis and Autio hit back-to-back three-pointers that sandwiched a UAB layup to start the third quarter.  The Blazers responded with another long run, this time a 12-0 that covered over almost five minutes.  Davis ended the scoring drought for the Jags with a three-pointer, and Genesis Perrymond added another three later in the quarter.
 
The Jags were held to single-digits again in the fourth quarter as the Blazers outscored them 13-8.  South Alabama wasn't able to get on the board in the quarter until Autio hit the first of two free throw attempts with 5:17 remaining in the game.  The two teams traded baskets until the final horn.
 
Chyna Ellis finished with a team-high 15 points and 10 rebounds for the team's first double-double and double-digit rebound performance of the season.  Ellis blocked three shots as well, sharing the game-high in rejections with LaNeetra Guillory.  Autio was the only other double-digit scorer for the Jags with 13 points, which included making four of five three-point attempts.
 
UAB held a sizable edge in rebounds (43-25) due to its high shooting percentages, as the Blazers had just two more offensive rebounds than the Jaguars with nine of their own.  UAB only had a slight edge in assists (11-10), and South Alabama had two less turnovers (17-19).
 
South Alabama will be off for nine days for the holiday break and resume play with its first Sun Belt game of the season at home against Troy on Dec. 31 at 1:00 p.m.
 
"Sometimes you need some time away," said Fowler.  "Hopefully our kids can get away, and then return focused when everyone is back on Dec. 27th.  We have to take care of South Alabama right now with three-four days of that, and then we'll turn our attention to Troy.  We just have to get back to what we do well, and there's been some slippage on the defensive end of the floor based on not executing and making shots on the offensive end."
 
The 2017 Sun Belt Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Championships are scheduled for a week of March Madness in the Big Easy.  New Orleans will once again be home to the two championships that will take place at Lakefront Arena from March 7-12 and ticket books can now be purchased from your our ticket office.  For more information, visit the Sun Belt Conference's championship central websites - Men's Championship – Women's Championship – and be sure to follow the @FunBelt on social media - @SunBelt.
 
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).