Game Notes

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama men's basketball team will play the first of two home games at the Mitchell Center this week Thursday against Texas State.

Tip-off at the Mitchell Center will be at 7:05 p.m. Fans can follow the action via live stats on USAJaguars.com, Twitter at @SouthAlaMBK, audio on 710 AM or www.iheart.com/live/newsradio-710-wntm-1, or video on JagNationTV.com.

"I'm ready to get back to playing," USA head coach Matthew Graves said. "This time of year is always a lot of fun; you get to play two games a week and you better have a short memory because the next team is coming and ready to beat you.

"We understand that we have to play better at home than we did when we started conference play. I know our guys are ready to get back after it and play Texas State."

The Jaguars (6-9, 1-3) split a pair of contests last week in Georgia, defeating Georgia Southern 64-58 before dropping a 70-55 decision to Georgia State.

The defense shone against the Georgia schools, holding them to just 31.7 percent shooting overall and 22.9 percent from 3-point territory. Thursday at Georgia State, the Eagles converted a season-low 26.9 percent from the field and 11.5 percent from distance.

"Our defense is giving us a chance to win basketball games," Graves said. "There's still room for improvement on the defensive end, but we've got to continue to play with a purpose and a lot of activity. If we do that, we're going to give ourselves a chance to win. It's the offense that has to pick up, there's no question about that."

Texas State enters Thursday with a 7-5 overall record but is 1-2 in the Sun Belt Conference and has lost its last two games by an average of 16 points. The Bobcats rank tied for ninth in the league in scoring (67.3 ppg) but second in scoring defense (59.8 ppg).

"If you look closely at their two losses over the weekend, it's a little bit misleading because their best perimeter player, Ethan Montalvo, played four minutes against Georgia State, got hurt, and didn't play in the Appalachian State game," Graves stated. "They're a different team with him not on the floor. We're anticipating him playing and preparing like he's going he's going to play.

"They do present a challenge; they're very patient offensively and I'm really impressed with Coach (Danny) Kaspar and how he coaches physicality and defense. I'm closet fan of his when it comes to defense because he's been doing it a long time and I have a lot of respect with how hard he gets his kids to play."

Emani Gant leads the Bobcats in both scoring (14.4 ppg) and rebounding (7.0 rpg) but Kavin Gilder-Tilbury paces the team in conference games (14.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg). Gilder-Tilbury has scored 13 or more in each of the last three games, but Gant has recorded double-digit points nine times in 10 games.

"Those two guys are very active, and certainly you start with Gant," Graves said. "He's a first-team all-league guy, one of the best low-post scorers in our league, and very physically imposing and athletic. We've got to do a tremendous job of giving him one tough shot. We have to keep him off the glass."

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).

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