South Alabama women’s basketball ended its season with a 79-54 loss to James Madison in the Sun Belt Conference Quarterfinals on Saturday at the Pensacola Bay Center. The Jaguars, who finished the year with a 16-18 record, faced a strong challenge from James Madison, which improved to 24-8.
The game started with Daniela Gonzalez putting South Alabama ahead early, but James Madison responded with a 9-0 run. The Jaguars held the Dukes scoreless for three minutes but then struggled offensively themselves, going nearly nine minutes without a field goal as JMU went on a 13-0 run. By the end of the first quarter, James Madison led 28-8.
In the second quarter, South Alabama managed to increase their scoring and put together a 5-0 run. However, another surge by JMU pushed their lead to 27 points at halftime. Amyah Sutton scored South Alabama’s first three-pointer of the game in the third quarter after difficulties shooting from beyond the arc in the first half.
The fourth quarter saw both teams exchange baskets before South Alabama went on an 11-3 run led by Gonzalez and Alicia Spann. Despite narrowing the gap to 25 points, James Madison maintained control and secured the win.
South Alabama became the first #12 seed since 2010 to reach the Sun Belt Quarterfinals. Gonzalez matched her season-high with five steals. Spann shot efficiently, making four of six attempts from the field and converting both free throws. The team finished with 12 steals, just one short of their season high.
During tournament play, South Alabama improved its shooting percentages compared to regular season numbers: averaging 41.6% from the field, 36.5% from three-point range, and 78.9% at the free throw line.
Head Coach Yolisha Jackson said: “Today was not our day. The last 40 minutes were pretty tough. But, from when we put this team together in May, all the way until the final buzzer of today, it’s been a rewarding experience. We always talk about the people in the room, and we have a great group of young women, support staff and practice players. It was truly an amazing ride.”
Senior forward Daniela Gonzalez reflected: “For me, [playing at South Alabama] has meant a lot. I’ve found my sisters here, and Coach Yo is like my second mom. She recruited me out of high school, and to play for her and for this program has been the best thing that has happened to me. I’m thankful for everything.”
Senior forward Alicia Spann added: “I thank this team so much for making me a better person and a better woman heading into my future…When we started playing bad in January, I think that prepared us for the run that we had in Pensacola. In the preseason, everyone counted us out. We were the last-ranked team. That did not define us and the scoreboard didn’t define us. We just had an amazing team, and I wouldn’t take this journey away for anything. I love this team with everything in me.”
More information about South Alabama women’s basketball can be found at their official site (https://usajaguars.com) or by following @SouthAlabamaWBB on X (formerly Twitter), /SouthAlabamaAthletics on Facebook or @SouthAlabamaWBB on Instagram.
