BOSTON – After guiding the University of South Alabama men's basketball program to a 17-11 overall record and an eight-game win streak in Sun Belt Conference play, Richie Riley has been named a finalist for the Ben Jobe Award.

It's the second year in a row that Riley has been in consideration for the honor, which is presented annually to the top Division I minority coach.  The recipient of the 2021 award will be announced on April 1.

After starting 2-5 in league play, Riley led South to victories in each of its next eight contests highlighted by a three-point win at eventual East Division champion Georgia State and back-to-back defeats of Appalachian State — who would go on to claim the conference tournament title — on the road.

Under his direction, the Jags currently rank among the top 35 in the country with a league-leading 9.1 three-point field goals per game and are also among the top 60 in field-goal percentage defense (41.0%) as well as total rebounds and steals.  He has also helped senior guard Michael Flower lead the Sun Belt and stand among the top 15 in the country after averaging 21 points and 3.14 three-point field goals per game.

Riley's efforts have led to South Alabama posting a winning record in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2011-12 and '12-13.

Photo provided by bradpuckettphotography.com

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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