MOBILE, Ala. –  The Georgia Southern women's basketball team (8-12, 4-5 SBC) never trailed South Alabama (7-13, 2-7 SBC) on Saturday evening, leading to a 53-45 win for the Eagles inside The Mitchell Center. The Eagles finished the game with a 34.5 percent (20-58) overall shooting percentage and forced 16 Jaguar turnovers to tack on their fourth conference win. 

Junior Alexis Foulks had her second straight game in double-figure points, with 12 total off the bench for the Eagles. Patrice Butler recorded nine points, five rebounds and an assist, while Angel McGowan tacked on eight points. Rhein Beamon led the Eagles in rebounds with seven, and Sierra Butler and Alexis Sams each recorded six each.

Chyna Ellis led the Jaguars with 13 points, behind her was Genesis Perrymond with 12. Ellis also led the team with 13 total rebounds and three blocks on the night. Genesis Perrymond was South Alabama's largest threat from behind the three-point line, with a 26.6 percent (4-15) percentage from beyond the arc.

THE STORY
The Eagles jumped out to a quick lead and held the Jags scoreless until 3:50 remaining in the first quarter. GS out-rebounded South Alabama 14-8 in the first quarter and headed into the second quarter with a 16-10 lead. Their hot streak continued into the second quarter, where the Eagles started a completely different five players from the beginning of the game. Ten players touched the court within the first half, and eight of those scored before the first half was over. 

GS had a 32-21 lead at halftime, but the Jaguars came out firing and cut that lead short during the third quarter. The Jaguars out-scored the Eagles 12-2 in the third quarter and and posted a 33.3 percent (5-15) percentage from the field in that quarter only. The Eagles were able to gain momentum back in the fourth and final quarter, out-scoring the Jags 19-12 and recording a 40.0 percent (6-15) from the field in the last ten minutes of play.

The Eagles were able to complete a weekend split in Alabama with their big win over the Jaguars Saturday night. GS forced a total of 16 turnovers, recorded nine steals and 38 rebounds on the night to defeat South Alabama on their home court. 

QUOTABLES FROM HEAD COACH KIP DROWN
"Great growth by our club from the last time we faced South Alabama. We kept our composure, didn't panic, and were able to make some big plays coming down the stretch there. Saturday nights in this league are always tough, but when you can come off the bench with eleven different girls and get production from all of them, that's a great night."

"Alexis Foulks had another great night for us, she had two really great games this week and we had an overall great effort down the stretch by all of our girls. They were focused and knew we needed a win tonight, our girls came ready to play and I am really happy we got that win." 


NEXT UP
The Eagles will return home next weekend to face off against Louisiana and ULM. GS will face off against the Ragin' Cajuns inside Hanner Fieldhouse at 7 p.m. Thursday night and the Warhawks at 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon.  
 
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