Game 12 • South Alabama Jaguars (9-2) vs. Tarleton Texans (3-8)
December 17, 2021 • 7 p.m. (CST) • Wisdom Gym • Stephenville, Texas
 
THE COACHES
South Alabama
Richie Riley (Eastern Kentucky, 2005)
Record at USA: 63-41 (4th year)
Overall Record: 98-69 (6th year)
Record vs. Tarleton: 1-0
 
Tarleton  
Billy Gillespie (Texas State, 1983)
Record at Tarleton: 13-18 (2nd year)
Overall Record: 161-126 (9th year)
Record vs. South Alabama: 0-1
 
LAST GAME
South Alabama defeated Tarleton 69-62 Tuesday night at the Mitchell Center.

NEXT GAME
USA will return home to take on SIU-Edwardsville in the final non-conference game of the season on Tuesday at 7 p.m. (CST).
 
ON THE AIR
Radio: Sports Talk 99.5: Colin Lacy (pxp) Joe McNulty (color)
Web: http://sportstalk995.iheart.com/listen (audio)
ESPN+ (Internet Streaming):

RANKINGS
USA: #123 Sagarin, NET #78
Tarleton: #236 Sagarin, NET #271

THE SERIES
This is the second meeting between the two schools, with the first coming on Tuesday.

NOTES
- South Alabama's matchup at Tarleton is the first time USA has played a non-conference opponent twice in the same season since playing Alabama State during the 2005-06 season. It is also the first time South has played a non-conference opponent in back-to-back games since the Jags faced off against Georgia Southern in 1979-80.
 
- South is 22-18 all-time against current members of the WAC.
 
- USA is off to its best start through 11 games since the 2005-06 team started 9-2.
 
- The Jags have won eight straight contests. Dating back to the 2019-20 season, South Alabama has had an eight-game winning streak each season.
 
- South Alabama improved to 4-0 this season when trailing at halftime after the 69-62 win over Tarleton on Tuesday.
 
- The Jaguars have forced 15 or more turnovers in 10 of 11 contests this season.
 
- South is ranked 34th in the NCAA in scoring defense, giving up just 59.9 points per game.
 
- USA is ranked in the top 3 of the Sun Belt in scoring defense, scoring offense (76.3), scoring margin (16.4), turnover margin (4.5), blocked shots per game (4.7), total steals (89) and free throws made (145).
 
- Charles Manning Jr. set career-highs with eight rebounds and six blocks against Tarleton State. He also tied a career-best with five assists in the win.
 
- Jay Jay Chandler has scored in double figures in eight consecutive games
 
- After opening the season with three straight games in double figures, Javon Franklin has scored 10 or more points over his last three, shooting 22-of-26 (84.5 percent) from the field during the three-game stretch.
 
- Kayo Goncalves has hit at least one three-pointer in 24 consecutive games dating back to last season.
 
- Tarleton's Tahj Small led all scorers with 24 points in the first matchup between the two teams.
 
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).

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—USA—