DELAND, Fla.- The Jags opened up the Stetson Hatter Classic with an impressive 87-79 victory over the Hatters. 

Both teams came out swinging in the opening quarter, with neither side gaining an advantage. The Jags managed to build a lead as Terren Coffil converted on back-to-back jumpers. South continued to build momentum by solid all-around play and would lead 19-12 at the end of one. 

Coffil continued to produce for South, scoring their first five points of the quarter as the Jaguars continued to build on their lead. South's offense continued to heat up as they went on a 14-5 run to extend their lead to as much as 15. The Jags continued their strong play thanks to their solid bench production and would enter the half up 47-35. 

The Hatters did not go down easily, as they stormed back early in the third, cutting it to five. South Alabama kept their composure as Rachel Leggett and Amyria Walker provided back-to-back layups to put South up seven. The hosts continued to fight their way back into the game as the quarter drew closer to the end. The Jaguars continued to respond well as Terren Coffil once again connected from three to give South more momentum. The Jags would hold off the Hatters as they entered the fourth ahead 63-58. 

Stetson opened the quarter with five straight points to even the score and apply pressure to South Alabama. The Jaguars would weather the storm thanks to an incredible effort on both sides of the floor. Amyria Walker would hit the dagger three to put the Hatters out of reach as South walked way with the 87-79 victory. 

STATS

The Jags were incredibly efficient from the field, eclipsing a season-high 54.4% overall while shooting 6-18 from three for 33.3%. The Jags had four players in double figures with Terren Coffil leading the way with a career-high 24 points while pulling down four rebounds and two assists. Amyria Walker finished with 17 points on an efficient 5-10 clip while Rachel Leggett added in 15 points and nine rebounds in her first start of the season. Daniela Gonzalez stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and a steal. The Jaguar defense was intense, as they forced 19 turnovers. 

QUOTES

Yolisha Jackson on the win, "Really proud of our kids tonight. We had two kids that play starter minutes go down against Ole Miss so it was going to be interesting to see in a quick turnaround who steps up and fills those shoes. I can't say enough about Terren and Chrysta, they did an incredible job just stepping in when their number was called by making plays and defending. The resiliency in this team to come and jump out early and keep a lead while keeping our composure makes me proud to see this team grow up in this moment". 

On coaching a group that can put together an effort to get a win on any given night, "It's cool. When we tried to build this roster we wanted to have four or five kids that could go and win you a game and that were capable of really taking over. Michiyah and Jordan are apart of that, but with them out and until they return, we have to rely on players like Terren with how she scored the ball and Rachel on how she stepped up. With Dani, she does so much for us on both sides of the ball. We can play her at any position and she knows it ". 

UP NEXT

The Jags will finish out non-conference play as they wrap up the Stetson Classic against Bethune-Cookman tomorrow at 1:15 PM EST. 

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