The South Alabama men's basketball team finished up its exhibition trip to the Bahamas, winning two of its three games in the Summer of Thunder competition at the Sir Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
In their first matchup on Sunday, the Jaguars dropped a close game against Raw Talent Elite, 66-65. Isaiah Moore led the team with 14 points and 7 assists, while Kevin Samuel and Marshall Kearing each grabbed 11 rebounds. Owen White was the only other Jag to join Moore in double-digits, as he had 11. South was unable to overcome deficits in free-throw shooting, points in the paint, and second chance points. Moore's last-second shot attempt was blocked as RTE held on for the one-point win.
The second game saw the Jags bounce back with a 117-90 victory over the Caro Contractors Pirates on Tuesday.
South broke the game open at the end of the third period. After the Pirates hit a free throw to pull within five (70-65), the Jaguars went on a 22-7 run over the final three minutes of the third and first minute of the fourth period. The run gave them a 92-67 lead, one they would not relinquish. The run was led by freshman Jamar Franklin, who had seven points over the span.
South Alabama was led by a trio of 20+ point scorers. Tyrell Jones led the team with 31 points on 10-of-18 shooting and 8-of-8 from the charity stripe. Franklin poured in 21 of his own off the bench and led the team in +/- with a +32. Moore tallied 20 points in 33 minutes of action.
The defense forced 29 Pirate turnovers, which turned into 40 points. Jones snagged eight steals to lead the team.
The Jaguars finished their trip to the Bahamas with another dominant victory, 106-79, over the Discount Distributors Rockets on Wednesday.
The Rockets took an early lead halfway through the first period, but a quick 9-1 run gave the Jags a 24-20 lead at the break. That lead would continue to grow throughout the game as South Alabama led by 17 (49-32) at halftime and 22 (78-56) after the third period.
South was once again led by their trio of guards, as Jones led the team with 25 points, connecting on six of his seven three-point attempts. Franklin had 24 while going 7-of-9 from behind the arc, and Moore had 23 points and led the team on the glass with seven boards. Newcomers Judah Brown and Samuel had 10 and 12 points, respectively, and each of them pulled down five rebounds. The defense did its part, creating 32 points off turnovers and 23 fast-break points.
South Alabama will continue preparations for the 2022-23 season.
Original source can be found here.
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