JONESBORO, Ark.- The South Alabama women's basketball team fell to Arkansas State Saturday afternoon at the Convocation Center in a 63-80 final.
 
The Red Wolves started the game out hot with an 8-2 run. The Jaguars managed to slow down the Red Wolves as Rachel Leggett converted on a second chance bucket to make it 11-6 at the 5:54 mark. For the remainder of the quarter, South struggled to contain the host's offense as the Jaguars entered into the second quarter behind 24-12.
 
The hosts got off to another quick start by extending their lead to 20 with a few quick baskets. South Alabama began to apply pressure defensively that forced turnovers and paved the way for quick buckets for Michiyah Simmons. South closed the quarter on an 8-0 run with buckets from Daniela Gonzalez and Terren Coffil to make it 26-37 at halftime.
 
The Jaguars came to life in the third quarter by going on a 9-2 run that was fueled by high intensity defense and fast break points. South Alabama continued to pressure the Red Wolves and cut the lead to four with baskets from Daniela Gonzalez and Nadia Howard. The hosts would unfortunately push ahead at the end of the third with a quick run that made it a 57-45 affair heading into the fourth.
 
Arkansas State continued to extend their lead as the fourth began despite an incredible effort from the Jaguars. South Alabama made one last push to put a dent in the lead but unfortunately got bested by Arkansas State in a 63-80 final.
 
STATS

The Jaguars for the third straight game shot well as a whole going 43.6% and a season best 92.9% (13-14) from the charity stripe. The Jaguar offense had another well-balanced attack with Rachel Leggett leading with 16 points with Michiyah Simmons right behind her with 15 points. Terren Coffil hit double-digits for the second straight game as the freshman accounted for 11 points. Daniela Gonzalez attributed eight points, six rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and a steal.
 

UP NEXT
 
South Alabama will return to the Mitchell Center where they will take on James Madison this Thursday.

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