MACON, Ga. – South Alabama women's basketball suffered their fifth loss of the season, dropping their matchup with Mercer 64-46.
Sophomore
Nadia Howard paced the Jags with 15 points, a season high.
Kelsey Thompson was the next-highest scorer with eight.
Kiana Anderson led the Jags in rebounding, totaling six in the loss.
Zena Elias had five rebounds.
South shot 72.4% from the free throw line, the best for the team since the opening win against Spring Hill.
The Bears were led by Amoria Neal-Tysor, who totaled 22 points on the day.
The Jags continue their road swing with a matchup at Louisiana Tech next Monday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m.
GAME FACTS
- The Jags and Bears started out slow, with Mercer leading 5-2 with under five minutes to go in the first quarter.
- Mercer held on to their lead, leading 7-11 at the end of the first quarter.
- The Bears used a 9-1 run to open the second quarter to extend their lead to 20-8 with six to go in the second quarter.
- South answered with a run of their own to cut the Mercer lead to 24-17 late in the first half.
- Mercer kept their momentum going, leading 34-24 at the half.
- South went on a 9-2 run to open the third quarter, but Mercer caught momentum late, leading 43-33 with three minutes to go in the third quarter.
- Mercer extended their lead in the fourth, leading 55-37 with six minutes to go in the game.
- Mercer's momentum was too much for the Jags, as the Bears won 64-46.
NOTES
- Nadia Howard earned her seventh start of the season, making her the only Jag to start all seven games this season.
- Howard currently has the longest starting streak on the team, starting 26 games, dating back to last season.
- Howard led the Jags in points with 15 points, a season high. The loss was the first time Howard has led the Jags in scoring this season.
- Jordan Rosier extended her starting streak to 4, with Maggie Robinson extending hers to three.
- South went 21-29 from the free throw line.
- South totaled 23 bench points, compared to Mercer's 17.
- Sunday's game was third time Anderson has led the team in rebounds.
QUOTABLE
Head Coach Terry Fowler:
"Tough game on the road against a quality opponent. We cut the lead to 11 at the half, but that could have been three points. We fouled a three-point shooter on back-to-back possessions, and they made six free throws. We missed a couple of layups and then missed a free throw. It could have been a three point game at halftime, which could have made a little bit of a difference there. I am proud of our kids for how they fought in the second half, in the middle of that third quarter going to the fourth because we cut it to six. Just the same story we've had all year long, we can't put the ball in the basket. It's going to be very difficult to beat anyone when you're only scoring 12 baskets. We will take a couple of days off to focus on academics, and then we will get back to work heading into four games in eight days next week."
UP NEXT
The Jaguars continue their road stint with a matchup against Louisiana Tech next Monday at 6 p.m.
FOLLOW THE JAGS
For complete coverage of South Alabama women's basketball, follow the Jags on social media @SouthAlabamaWBB (Twitter), /SouthAlabamaAthletics (Facebook), @southalabamawbb (Instagram) or visit the official home of South Alabama athletics at usajaguars.com.
—USA—
