DENVER, Colo. – South Alabama and Denver battled in the final game of the Denver Classic, but it was South Alabama who came out on top, winning the tight match up 62-53.
Kelsey Thompson led the Jaguar squad with 14 points on the day, with
Jordan Rosier right behind her with 13. The win was the third game this season in double figures for Thompson and the second for Rosier.
Zena Elias recorded her second double-figure rebounding game, bringing down 10 rebounds, while adding five points.
Redshirt-sophomore
Emani Burks had a career game, totaling a career-high eight points and eight rebounds.
Janelle Jones recorded her first points of the season in the win, finishing with four on the day.
The Jaguar defense used a strong second quarter to build up a lead on the Pios, holding them to just seven points.
South Alabama led for 35 minutes of the game, leading from the 5
th minute of the game until the final whistle.
The Jaguars finished the day shooting 35.7% from the field, while holding the Pios to just 25.4%. South also brought down 48 rebounds, a season high.
Three Pioneers finished in double figures, with Jordan Jones leading the team with 17. Makayla Minett recorded a double-double, totaling 12 points and 16 rebounds.
GAME FACTS
- South Alabama and Denver traded baskets to start the game, with South having a 10-9 advantage with four minutes left in the first quarter.
- Denver closed the first with a scoring drought, allowing South to take a 13-9 lead at the end of one quarter.
- South Alabama opened the second quarter with a 8-0 run, leading 21-9 with 5:30 to go in the half.
- The Jaguars capitalized on a scoring drought from the Pios, extending their lead to 27-16 at the half.
- Back-to-back baskets from Jordan Rosier extended the Jag lead again, with South up 39-28 with five left in the third quarter.
- The Pios tried to get some offense going late in the third, but South's defense stepped up, allowing South to lead 47-38 at the end of the third quarter.
- South Alabama and Denver traded baskets to open the closing quarter, but South still held a 49-40 advantage.
- Denver capitalized on South Alabama fouls, cutting the lead to 49-44.
- Denver tried to battle back late, but South Alabama held off the Pio attack, getting the 62-53 win.
NOTES
QUOTABLE
Head coach Yolisha Jackson:
On how what was different today vs Friday:
"The willingness and wanting to compete was at an all time high today. Coach Tyson said that was probably the best warm up we had. They understood the moment and how we needed to get a win and we couldn't lose three in a row. The willingness to compete and not worry about who gets the praise, that showed up today."
On who stood out:
"
Janelle Jones. She had an injury a lot of people wouldn't come back from. She's been in practice battling every day and we trusted her to play those six minutes in the first half, and without her playing those minutes we don't win. I think
Jordan Rosier was good today. She's just been real steady and solid."
On preparing for New Orleans:
"We got two games at home and our thing is we have to win at home. UNO is having a really good season. You look at their Oklahoma State game their should have won to open the season, they have a good post player and guard. We will have to defend and make shots."
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