South Alabama men’s basketball lost 65–57 to Appalachian State on Wednesday night in Boone, North Carolina. The defeat ended the Jaguars’ three-game winning streak and moved their record to 16–7 overall and 7–4 in Sun Belt Conference play. Appalachian State improved to 16–9 and now stands at 9–4 in conference games.
The game began with Appalachian State scoring the first five points before South Alabama’s Jayden Cooper hit a three-pointer. The teams traded baskets early, but the Mountaineers closed the first half with a 10–2 run, leading 29–23 at halftime.
South Alabama shot efficiently after halftime, narrowing the deficit to three points after a John Broom three-pointer. Adam Olsen contributed two key three-pointers as the Jaguars continued their push. With just under four minutes left, Chaze Harris tied the game at 51 following a fast-break layup off a turnover. However, Appalachian State responded immediately with a three-pointer and maintained its lead through late free throws.
Harris led South Alabama with 17 points and six assists, marking his eighth consecutive game scoring in double figures. Cooper added 16 points and made three three-pointers while playing nearly the entire game. Randy Brady had nine points, three rebounds, and three assists.
South Alabama shot 44 percent from the field in the second half and hit over half of its attempts from beyond the arc during that period. However, Appalachian State out-rebounded South Alabama by nine boards and scored 13 second-chance points from their ten offensive rebounds.
After the game, Head Coach Richie Riley said: “We didn’t find the basket enough, but I thought our defense held up. It’s on us — we’ve got to play better and tougher. We got a lot of good looks but didn’t make them, and I give them credit because they did a good job. They’re physical and a very good team. The atmosphere was really good, and their student section was a big factor. We missed a lot of shots we normally make, and for us, if we can’t get to the free-throw line, it makes it hard. We’ve got to learn from this and move on because coming down the stretch, every one of these matters. We’ve got three more on the road, and then we’re home for the final four games of league play. We’ve got to play better, get tougher, learn from it, and get back home ready for Buffalo.”
South Alabama will next face Buffalo at home on Saturday in its final non-conference matchup of the season as part of the MAC-SBC Challenge.
For additional information about South Alabama Men’s Basketball or future schedules visit usajaguars.com or follow their official social media channels.
