MOBILE, Ala. – For the third time this season, South Alabama led wire to wire in a game that saw four Jaguars in double-figures, defeating the New Orleans Privateers 80-63 at the Mitchell Center.
 
Kelsey Thompson and Emani Burks recorded their first career double-doubles in the win, with Thompson finishing with 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Burks adding 14 points and 10 rebounds of her own. The win was the first time since Feb. 13, 2021, the Jaguars had two players with a double-double. The 14 points and 10 rebounds for Burks are also both a new career high.
 
Thompson and Burks were joined in double figures by Rachel Leggett and Michiyah Simmons, who finished the night with 13 points and 11 points, respectively. The win was the fifth game this season for Thompson in double figures, the first for Burks, the third for Leggett and the fourth for Simmons. 
 
The Jaguars used a strong first quarter to build a lead, opening the game on a 15-0 run and not allowing a made field goal from the Privateers until one minute left in the first quarter.
 
The Jaguar depth was also on display in the contest, as every Jaguar who played, scored points. The Jaguars also had 22 assists; a season high.
 
The Privateers finished with three in double figures and were led by Jayla Kimbrough with 19 points.  
 
GAME FACTS

• South Alabama opened the game on a 9-0 run, forcing the Privateers to call a timeout with 6:46 left in the first quarter.
• New Orleans scored their first points of the game with four left in the first quarter, making two free throws, but South Alabama still led 16-2.
• New Orleans scored their first field goal of the game at the one-minute mark off a layup from Alexis Calderon but still trailed 10-22 at the end of one quarter.
• New Orleans opened the second quarter with a scoring drought, but made two baskets at the six-minute mark, with the Jags up 30-14.
• South took a 20-point lead with a minute left in the first half, up 38-18. The Jags ended the half up 43-22.
• South Alabama and New Orleans traded baskets to open the third, but South held a steady lead, up 54-32 at the under-five timeout.
• South Alabama hit a scoring drought to close the third, but strong defense allowed them to maintain a 59-42 lead to close the third quarter.
• The Jaguars and New Orleans went back and forth to open the final quarter, before UNO was able to use a 6-0 run to cut the Jaguar lead to 73-58.
• South Alabama was able to hold off the late rally from the Privateers, getting the 80-63 win at home.

 
NOTES

• Emani Burks started her first game of the season.
• Burks also finished the night with a career-high 14 points.
• Burks and Kelsey Thompson recorded their first career double-doubles in the win.
• Every Jaguar who played in the game recorded points.
• The win was the first time since Feb. 13, 2021, the Jags had two players with a double-double.
• South led the whole game for the third time this season.
• South made a season-high 12 three-pointers.
• The Jags brought down a season-high 51 rebounds.

 

QUOTABLE
Head coach Yolisha Jackson:
Opening statement:
"Tonight was a total team effort. We had three people in double figures and had two kids get their first career double-doubles. Our starting lineup had to do some different things, with Zena Elias being out and we were really concerned in the post but Emani Burks stepped up. It was good to see her work pay off. I told the team the stat I am most proud of is that we had 22 assists on 26 made baskets. You're going to win a lot of games when you share the ball like that. I think Kelsey Thompson did a really good job of coming off the bench and finding people. Great to come home."

On the depth on the team:

"I think any coach's dream is to have four or five kids who average eight to 11, so on any different night, different players can push the offensive side of the ball for you. Kiana Anderson hasn't had a breakout game yet, she's due for one, but she can score, Michiyah Simmons, Jordan Rosier, Kelsey Thompson, Nadia Howard, Rachel Leggett, they can score. We've got Kelsey and then a bunch of kids averaging seven to nine points. When you spread the scoring out, I think it makes it hard for teams to prepare.

Sophomore guard Kelsey Thompson:
On the 16-0 start:

"I know for a couple games we haven't started with our 8-0 run like we want, but to push it to a 16-0 run, it was even better. Just knowing I am coming into the game to keep the momentum instead of having to build it, the tone was already set."

On her double-double performance:

"Rebounding was going well and passing the ball makes rebounds. When we share the ball, there is more rebounds to get."

On the team:

"It is really fun. The Mitch is starting to become a fun place to play with the fans. We have fun and get everyone involved."

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