MOBILE, Ala. – In a game with 10 lead changes, it was the visiting Troy Trojans who came out on top, issuing an 88-79 loss to South Alabama in the rivalry game.
 
South led by eight at halftime, but a strong 25-point third quarter from the Trojans gave them the lead and the momentum to close the game.
 
South Alabama had four finish in double figures for the seventh time this season, but Troy had four of their own in double figures and had all nine Trojans score in the game.
 
Michiyah Simmons led the squad with a career-high 21 points, tying her career-high with three made three-pointers and sinking a season-high eight free throws.
 
Rachel Leggett recorded the second double-double of her career in the loss, tying her career-high 18 points and bringing down a career-high 11 rebounds. Leggett also tacked on five steals, another career-high.
 
Jordan Rosier and Emani Burks also finished in double-figures, with Rosier totaling 17 points and Burks adding 10.
 
Nia Daniel led Troy with 21 points, while Tai'Sheka Porchia and Makayia Hallmon added 18 each and Ja'Mia Hollings tacked on 17.
 
The visiting Troy Trojans held the advantage in two of three shooting categories, finishing the night shooting 45.6% from the field and 85.7% from the free throw line, compared to 35.8% and 77.8% from South Alabama. The Jaguars led in three-point percentage, shooting 34.5% compared to 25.0% from Troy.
 
GAME FACTS

• South Alabama and Troy opened the game by trading points before the Trojans took a 13-9 lead with three to play.
• South and Troy were tied at 20 after the end of the first quarter.
• The Jaguars took a 36-27 lead with five to play in the first half.
• South held a 10-point lead with two to play, up 42-32.
• The Jaguars held the advantage at the half, up 50-42.
• Troy opened the second half with a 9-0 run, leading 51-50 with seven to play.
• South Alabama answered with points of their own, with the game tied at 55 with five minutes to play in the third quarter.
• Troy led 67-63 at the end of the third quarter.
• Troy held a 10-point advantage (82-72) with four left in the contest.
• Troy closed the game, winning 88-79.

 
NOTES

• Jordan Rosier is the only player to start all 29 games this season.
• South's 79 points are the most from the squad in conference play.
• Michiyah Simmons totaled a career-high 21 points.
• Rachel Leggett recorded the second double-double of her career.
• The loss was Rosier's 14^th double-figure game, Leggett's 13^th, Simmons's 13^th and Burks's fourth.
• Leggett led the team in rebounding for the seventh time this season.
• Simmons led the team in scoring for the fourth time this season.
• Leggett tacked on five steals; a career high.

QUOTABLE
Head coach Yolisha Jackson:
On the progress the team made despite the loss:
"I am extremely happy with this team tonight. They did a great job of sharing the basketball and playing with a lot of heart and passion. I thought Rachel was fantastic tonight. I know if it was her first double-double, but her biggest with 18 points, 11 rebounds and five steals. Tyrielle Williams came in and gave us some really good minutes tonight. Yesterday, we had a good practice, and we had a good shootaround this morning, you could tell they were focused. We talked about five intangible things it takes to win a rivalry game and they brought it for the entire game. I think legs played a part, when the emotion leaves and the legs get heavy, we missed some. Super proud of this team."
 
On the importance of progress so close to the tournament:
"It's huge. You always want to be building. I am glad Wednesday was not our last game here at The Mitch. I am glad today was because it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. But when you come out and compete and play so hard, you always give yourself a chance to win and that is all we ask for when we go to Pensacola."
 
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