THIBODAUX, La. – Three players scored in double figures Saturday afternoon as the University of South Alabama women's basketball team earned a 73-63 road victory over Nicholls at David R. Stopher Gymnasium for the Jags' first road win of the season.
Nadia Howard paced the Jags (4-5) with 23 points, the most by a South Alabama player this season, as she was 10-for-18 from the field. Jaylin Powell followed with 13 points and a team-high eight rebounds, while Dee Haymer chipped in with 12 points against Nicholls.
Two Colonels recorded double-doubles with Chelsea Cain finishing with 21 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, and Bryanna Washington with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Deonna Brister and Chynna Allen also ended the contest in double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
GAME FACTS
- The Jags opened the contest with eight straight points over the first four minutes.
- Nicholls attempted to close the gap with an 8-2 run in the last two minutes of the first quarter, however, South held a one-point advantage (15-14) to end the period.
- The teams traded buckets for the second quarter with Howard scoring eight of the Jags' 14 points for the period, as the Jaguars led 29-26 headed into halftime.
- Leading 33-30 a minute-and-a-half into the third, Howard drained a three-pointer to ignite a 10-0 run over the next three minutes. Powel capped off the run and gave South Alabama it's largest lead to that point (43-30) with a jumper.
- Nicholls answered right back with a run of its own, this one a 15-2 spurt that was ignited by a Cain trey and capped off by another Cain bucket to pull the Colonels within one at 46-45 with one minute, 37 seconds showing on the clock in the period.
- On South's ensuing possession, Jordan Rosier knocked down a three-pointer of her own to end the run and send USA into the final 15 minutes holding a 49-45 advantage.
- The Jags broke the game open at around the seven-minute mark, erupting 14-2 run over the next five minutes to stretch their lead out to 17 (71-54) with just over two minutes remaining in the game.
- The trio of Howard, Powell and Haymer combined to record all 14 of South's points during the pivotal run before taking the 10-point victory.
- South Alabama shot 61.5 percent in the final period of play and was 16-for-28 (57.1) in the second half.
NOTES
- South's win ended Nicholls' win streak in the series.
- It was only the second time this season that three Jags have had recorded double figures, with the last time coming against Mobile.
- South Alabama had season highs in field-goal percentage (46.8) and three-point field goal percentage (37.5).
- This was the first time since Nov. 25, 2020 that Mahogany Vaught has not started.
- Howard's 23 points – a season high for the freshman – was the most scored by a Jag so far this season.
- Ferguson pulled down a season-high five rebounds to go along with her nine points on 4-of-5 shooting.
- Five different individuals recorded a three-point basket as Powell (2) was the only player to have multiple.
- Janelle Jones set a career high with two steals, leading the Jags in the category along with Powell.
THEY SAID IT
Head Coach Terry Fowler
-Opening statement: "I thought we came out with a quick start in the first quarter. They made a run, but I think at the start of the second half, we were able to get out and change some things that they were doing and we were able to capitalize. I thought we were able to break the press and get some easy baskets in transition. We had a great game from Nadia Howard. Jaylin Powell came in with eight rebounds and helped Kiana (Anderson) with the boards. We just did a great job finishing the game and executed better than we have all year. It's tough to win on the road, so it feels good to get this and head home for our game on Tuesday against Faulkner."
-On the versatility of the team: "We talked about it with the team. Some people had to play out of position today, but they just were not going to be denied. During timeouts, they were determined to find a way so they did that and hats off to them for making plays when they need to on both ends of the floor."
Freshman G Nadia Howard
-On her performance: "It feels amazing and good to play with a team who shares the ball and encourages each other to score. They told me the lane was open and to score, so that's what I did. I was just able to finish off of my teammate's assists and get it done."
-On looking forward to Faulkner: "I have my confidence back. I am going to be able to go out there with confidence and know that I can put points on the board. I know that my teammates are capable of getting me the ball as well as to each other We are good at sharing, so I am excited to see how we do with all of these great cuts."
UP NEXT
South Alabama will host Faulkner at 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the Mitchell Center.
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/WeAreSouth_JAGS. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
Join the South Circle, the unrestricted giving option of the University of South Alabama Athletics. Contributions to the South Circle directly support all 17 sports in addition to various support programming. For more information on how you can join visit: http://jaguarathleticfund.com/give
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