MOBILE, Ala. – South Alabama got behind early and could not overcome the Louisiana momentum, falling 74-32 Wednesday in the Mitchell Center.
 
The Ragin' Cajuns used a 32-point first quarter to build their lead and never looked back, cruising to the 32-point win. The visiting squad showed their depth in the win, with 14 Ragin' Cajuns playing in the contest and 12 scoring points. Defense was also on display for Louisiana, holding South to eight points in two different quarters.
 
Emani Burks led the Jaguars in scoring for the first time in her career, totaling nine points in the contest. Jordan Rosier added eight of her own to the team total. Nadia Howard led the team in rebounding for the first time this season, bringing down six.
 
The Ragin' Cajuns had three finish in double figures and were led by Jaylyn James with 15 points. Nubia Benedith added 13 of her own to the team total and Tamera Johnson added 11.
 
The visiting squad held the advantage in two of three shooting categories, finishing the night shooting 52.6% from the field and 57.1% from three, compared to 26.9% and 17.4% from South Alabama. The Jaguars led in free throw percentage, shooting 71.4% compared to 46.2% from Louisiana.
 
GAME FACTS

• Louisiana opened the game with a 9-0 run, causing South Alabama to call a timeout.
• South's first points of the game came from a three-pointer from Nadia Howard at the six minute mark.
• The Jaguars tailed 32-13 after one quarter.
• South hit an early basket in the second but then went on a scoring drought, down 39-15 with five to play in the first half.
• The Jags trailed 44-21 at the half.
• Both teams had a slow third quarter, but Louisiana still led 57-28 with two to play in the third quarter.
• South trailed 60-29 at the end of the third quarter.
• Louisiana hit a scoring drought midway through the fourth, but the Jaguars still trailed, down 68-36.
• South Alabama could not overcome the deficit, falling 74-42.

 
NOTES

• Jordan Rosier is the only player to start all 28 games this season.
• Emani Burks led the team in scoring for the first time in her career.
• Nadia Howard led the team in rebounding for the first time this season.
• South Alabama's 26.9 field goal percentage is tied for second lowest from the team this season.
• South Alabama's 14 made field goals is a season low.

 
QUOTABLE
Head coach Yolisha Jackson:
On what you tell your team after a loss:
"I told them it's about who we are and who we will be. This first year has been about culture and foundation. We understand we have a young group. To come in for 30+ games in a season, it wears on you. When you don't have the success you wanna have, it can be hard for young players to sustain the effort it takes to win games. We understand that. Right now, to finish out the season, it is about building our culture and our foundation."
 
On the effort:
"I told Tyrielle Williams we had not seen her play that hard in a long time so that was good to see. I thought Emani Burks was really good, she missed some open shots, but she posted hard and rebounded. I thought she played with some desire tonight. Unfortunately for Jordan Rosier, she could not find the net. She has been steady all year long, so my heart melts for her because I know everything she has put into it. It hurts her when she doesn't make shots."
 
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