HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Michiyah Simmons posted a career-high 18 points, but the Golden Eagles offense overpowered the Jags, as South Alabama dropped the road matchup 61-40.
 
The contest was Simmons's third time leading the team in scoring and her fourth double-figure game. Simmons also led the team in rebounding, totaling five.
 
The Golden Eagles had two players in double digits, and were led by Jacorriah Bracey, who posted a double-double (15 points, 12 rebounds).
 
South Alabama (5-18, 1-11 Sun Belt) returns home to the Mitchell Center to host ULM on Thursday at 11 a.m. and Louisiana Saturday at 2 p.m.
 
GAME FACTS

• The Jags and Golden Eagles traded points to start the first quarter, with South leading 7-6 with five minutes to go in the first quarter.
• South held on to the lead to finish the first quarter, up 16-10.
• The Jags hit a scoring drought halfway through the second quarter, allowing Southern Miss to tie the game at 20-20 with three minutes left in the half.
• The Jags and the Golden Eagles were tied 23-23 at half.
• Southern Miss opened the second half with a 10-0 run, leading 33-23 with five minutes in the quarter.
• Southern Miss held on to their 10-point lead, up 40-30 with one quarter remaining.
• The Jags totaled just one point in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter, trailing 51-34 with 5:13 left.
• Southern Miss extended their lead to 20 late in the fourth quarter, up 55-24 with under four minutes in the contest.
• Southern Miss held onto the lead, beating South Alabama 61-40.

 
NOTES

• Maggie Robinson holds the longest streak for games started, with 19.
• Michiyah Simmons paced South, with a career-high 18 points, her fourth double-figure game.
• It was the third time Simmons led South in scoring.
• Simmons also led South in rebounding, totaling 5.
• South is still looking for the first road conference win.
• Simmons led all players in scoring for the first time in her career.
• South had just 25 rebounds, also a season-low.

 
QUOTABLE
Acting head coach Dan Presel:
"I felt like we had a pretty good start to the game, we had a good rhythm and a good flow. We were able to move the ball well and get a lot of quality looks. We didn't convert as well as you need to against a good team at their place. In the second half, they clearly came out with a mission. I'm sure they were challenged by their coach at halftime. They're a team playing for the Sun Belt title. They are currently around the top of the standings. We told our guys at halftime to be ready for a response by Southern Miss. Good teams always have a response. We were unable to match their energy, their effort, their pace and they played with better energy and a better spirit in the second half."
 
UP NEXT
The Jaguars return home next week to host ULM Thursday at 11 a.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.
  Read Full Article