MOBILE, Ala. | South Alabama men's basketball (1-2) saw their comeback bid come up short against the #18 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0) late Tuesday night at the Mitchell Center, falling 65-55.
The Jaguars outscored the Tide in the paint (36-22) and in points off turnovers (17-7) but failed to find any rhythm from beyond the arc, going 2-of-23.
Isaiah Moore led all players with 20 points.
Kevin Samuel added nine points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, while
Owen White hit the only two three-pointers for the team.
Alabama's Brandon Miller led the Tide with 19 points, as he and Moore were the only players to score in double-figures.
GAME FACTS (HOW IT HAPPENED)
- The Tide led 12-4 at the first media timeout, shooting 3-of-5 from beyond the arc to start the game.
- Alabama hit a scoring drought, going 4:14 without a score and three turnovers. The Jaguars were unable to take advantage, going 1-10 during the same span.
- The defensive struggle continued, and the Jaguars trailed, 16-9, at the nine-minute mark.
- Isaiah Moore and Kevin Samuel each scored four points over the next six minutes to help spark the Jaguar offense.
- Each team shot below 30% in the first half, but Alabama out-rebounded the Jags 35-20 to help them to a 32-22 lead at the break.
- Alabama went on a 7-0 run over 55 seconds early in the second half to extend their lead to 15 with 17:30 left.
- An Alabama turnover led to a 3-pointer by White to cut the Tide's lead to nine with 14:56 to go.
- Alabama proceeded to go on a 12-2 run over the next four minutes to extend their lead to 19, 53-34.
- South went on a 17-to-9 run over the next seven minutes to cut into the lead.
- A driving layup by Greg Parham II with 50 seconds to go cut the Alabama lead to single-digits, 62-53.
NOTES
- This was the first time the Jaguars played Alabama in Mobile.
- Owen White recorded his 100th career start.
- Moore led the Jaguars in points (20) for the second straight game. He is the first 20-point scorer for the Jags this season.
- Alabama is the first team to out-rebound the Jaguars this year (63-40).
- White played a career-high 39 minutes.
- The Jags outscored the Tide in the paint, 36-22.
- South Alabama won the turnover battle, forcing 21 turnovers while only committing 9.
- Samuel recorded his 49th career game with 10+ rebounds.
- The attendance of 7,673 was the fifth-highest in Mitchell Center history for a men's basketball game.
QUOTABLE
Head Coach Richie Riley
On playing Alabama in the Mitchell Center:
"I am appreciative of Nate [Oats] bringing his team down here. It means a lot to our city, it means a lot to basketball in the state. We're trying to grow basketball in the state of Alabama. For them to come to Mobile and to play us in the Mitchell Center for the first time ever, it means a lot to me. He's a really good friend and a great coach. What they are doing up there is really special. For us to have a night like this is incredible."
On the team's performance:
"I'm proud of our guys. I love my team. I wouldn't trade them for anybody. I think we are going to be right there, we are going to continue to keep getting better. We're not going to go 2-23 from three very often, especially with the quality looks we were getting. But, I'm proud of my team and the fight we showed late. Wish we would have played better, but you got to give Alabama credit."
Guard Isaiah Moore
On his performance tonight:
"It doesn't feel too good because we lost, but I just try to be there for my team, be aggressive and pick the energy up so everyone can be enthused."
On the environment in the Mitchell Center:
"The environment was beautiful. It was everything I prayed for. I've never played in an environment like this. I liked it, it gave me a lot of energy."
UP NEXT
The Jaguars hit the road again for a matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners Friday night. The game will start at 7 p.m. and is available to stream on ESPN+.
FOLLOW THE JAGS
For complete coverage of South Alabama men's basketball, follow the Jags on social media @SouthAlabamaMBB (Twitter), /SouthAlabamaMBB (Facebook), @southalabamambb (Instagram) or visit the official home of South Alabama athletics at usajaguars.com.
