South Alabama poured in 43 second-half points on the way to a 62-59 victory over Georgia State in women’s basketball action at the Mitchell Center on Saturday.
With the win, the Jaguars improve to 19-5 overall, 8-5 in the Sun Belt Conference. USA is now tied for fourth place in the Sun Belt standings with Georgia State, which falls to 14-10, 8-5.
“It was huge," South Alabama coach Terry Fowler said. "Our records are right there together and if it comes down to a tiebreaker situation, we own the tiebreaker against them right now. As we get moving, everybody is fighting for position in the conference tournament. Every day is a big day. Today was really crucial for us, especially playing at home.”
On Saturday, South Alabama trailed 28-19 at halftime before scoring 27 points in the third quarter to lead 46-44. After Georgia State tied the game, the Jaguars took the lead for good on Antoinette Lewis’ lay-up in the paint with 2:07 left.
Lewis led South Alabama with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Savannah Jones added 18 points, while Jayla Morrow had 12.
Allison Johnson scored 13 points for the Panthers, while Walnatia Wright added 12 points and seven rebounds. USA won the rebounding battle 44-36.
South Alabama travels to Troy at 2 p.m. next Saturday.