MOBILE, Ala. – South Alabama fell behind early and could not overcome the Georgia State momentum, dropping the home contest with the Panthers 73-47.
 
Georgia State used a 27-point first quarter to build up their lead and never looked back, cruising to their fourth Sun Belt win of the season. South Alabama fell to 7-12 and 0-7 in conference action with the loss. 
 
South Alabama had two finish in double figures in the loss, with Jordan Rosier leading the team with 11 points, while Kelsey Thompson added 10 of her own. The loss was Rosier's ninth game in double figures this season and Thompson's 12^th.
 
Emani Burks brought down eight rebounds in the contest, leading the team for the second time this season.
 
Deasia Merrill led the Panther squad in scoring, recording a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Kaleigh Addie also finished in double figures, adding 11 points to the team total.
 
Georgia State held the advantage in all shooting categories in Saturday's contest, finishing the afternoon shooting 42.9% from the field, 26.7% from deep and 64.3% from the stripe, while the home squad of South Alabama shot a 32.1% field goal percentage, 25% from behind the arc and 53.3% from the free throw line.
 
GAME FACTS

• Georgia State started strong, holding a 16-5 lead with five left in the first quarter.
• South Alabama trailed 27-12 after one quarter.
• South Alabama tried to cut into the lead, but Georgia State kept their steady lead, up 42-25 with three minutes to play.
• Georgia State led 44-28 at the half.
• Georgia State took a 20-point lead midway through the third, up 54-34.
• South Alabama hit a scoring drought late in the third, allowing Georgia State to maintain their 20-point lead.
• Georgia State held onto their lead throughout the fourth, winning the match up 73-47

NOTES

• Jordan Rosier is the only player to start all 19 games this season.
• Rosier led the squad with 11 points, while Kelsey Thompson added 10.
• Emani Burks led the team with eight rebounds, the second time this season she has led the team in that category.
• The loss was Rosier's ninth game in double figures and the 12^th for Thompson.
• Rachel Leggett led the team with two steals.

QUOTABLE
Head coach Yolisha Jackson:
"Today, we did not show up ready to play. We missed a grand opportunity in our home arena in front of our fans to put a good product on the floor, so it's very disappointing to see the progression of this team over time to have a day like today. We will get back to the lab. We have two more home games coming up next week before we go on the road, and it is two games we feel good about, so we will prepare and get ready to tackle Texas State on Thursday and Southern Miss on Saturday."  
 
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