YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eastern Michigan used a 20 point first quarter to build a lead against South Alabama, cruising to an 81-69 win over the Jaguars in the second round of the MAC-SBC Challenge.
 
Jordan Rosier matched her career-high with 23 points, but it wasn't enough for the Jaguar attack as five Eastern Michigan players finished in double figures.
 
Rosier finished the day going 7-for-11 from the field, with six three pointers. Her seven made field goals are a season high, along with her six made threes. The Jaguars finished the day shooting 63.6% from deep, a season high.
 
Thompson joined Rosier in double figures, totaling 19 in the contest. Thompson made four field goals and sank 11 of 12 free throw attempts, a new career-high for the sophomore. Thompson added five assists in the loss as well, leading the team.
 
Five Eagles finished in double figures, with Tayra Eke leading the team with 13. Olivia Smith added 12, while Kennedi Myles and Olivia Westphal totaled 11 each and Dara Capaldi tacked in 10. The loss was the second time this season a Jaguar opponent had five finish in double figures. Myles totaled 10 rebounds as well, finishing with a double-double.
 
South Alabama held the advantage in two of three shooting categories in Saturday's contest finishing the afternoon shooting 63.6% from behind the arc and 88.9% from the stripe, compared to 41.2% and 75.0% from EMU. The Eagles led in field goal percentage, shooting 54.9% compared to South's 50.0%.
 
GAME FACTS

• South Alabama and Eastern Michigan traded baskets to open the game, with EMU holding an 8-7 advantage after five minutes.
• Eastern Michigan used a 13-0 run to close the first quarter, up 20-7 at the end of one quarter.
• South opened the second quarter with a 6-0 run, cutting into the EMU lead, trailing 20-13 at the seven minute mark in the second quarter.
• The Eagles answered with a run of their own, extending their lead to 36-22 at the end of the first half.
• Halfway through the third, the Jaguars cut the EMU lead to nine, down 45-36.
• The Eagles used a 9-2 run to take a 16 point lead, up 54-38 with two to play in the third.
• EMU led 56-40 at the end of three.
• Eastern Michigan took a 17 point lead midway through the final quarter, up 67-50.
• South Alabama rallied in the final minutes, but could not stop the EMU momentum, falling 81-69 in the contest.

 
NOTES

• Jordan Rosier is the only player to start all 25 games this season.
• Rosier led the team with a season-high 23 points.
• Kelsey Thompson added 19 of her own.
• The loss was Rosier's 11^th game in double figures and Thompson's 16^th.
• Rosier led the team in scoring for the second game in a row.
• The Jaguars brought down just 18 rebounds: a season low.
• The Jags shot 88.9% from the stripe, a season high.
• South shot 63.6% from deep, another season high.

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