December 19, 2006

Mobile, AL (CSTV U-WIRE) -- South Alabama escaped with a victory over the Bulldogs from Samford in dramatic fashion Saturday night at the Mitchell Center.

The Bulldogs (2-4) led almost the entire game until a 3-pointer by Carlos Smith put the Jaguars ahead by three points (48-45) with 5:07 left. The shot was part of a 14-6 South Alabama run over the final 5:37 that sealed the victory. The biggest shot of the game came during this stretch from senior Stephen Cowherd. As the shot clock was running down, Cowherd hit a deep trey while off balance, putting the Jaguars up by four points with only 2:14 left in regulation.

USA (5-2) did not look back after that and went on to win 59-54.

Samford used a good, methodical approach on offense complemented by a solid defense. The Bulldogs ran a version of the classic Princeton offense, full of good ball and player movement, which continuously beat the Jags for back-door layups.

The largest lead of the game came with a little over two minutes left in the first half with Samford going up by 11 points. USA cut the lead to six points at halftime.

South Alabama coach John Pelphrey said of Samford, "Nobody else plays like this." He also said it was hard to simulate the Bulldogs offense in practice because of the constant cutting by their players.

South Alabama used a variety of defenses in attempt to slow down Samford. The Jaguars played a man-to-man defense along with a 2-3 zone. The zone proved to be more effective as it allowed for less cuts to the basket. Thirty of Samford's 52 field goals were from beyond the arc, but only six of those were made.

Demetric Bennett led USA with 21 points, 15 of which came via 3-point shots. Bennett scored 14 in the first half as he literally kept the Jaguars in the game. As a team, South Alabama only scored 25 points in the opening half.

South Alabama was able to get the win due in large part to the poor shooting by Samford in the second half. After shooting 41 percent in the first half, the Bulldogs only converted on 27 percent of their field goals in the second half. USA shot well over the whole game, hitting 44.4 percent from the field.

The most thrilling play of the game occurred courtesy of USA on an alley-oop from Daon Merritt to Brandon Davis five minutes into the second half. Davis threw it down easily and finished with eight points and seven rebounds.

Jerry Smith led Samford with 15 points.

Pelphrey thought this game served an emotional booster for the team.

"I thought they showed some toughness and perseverance tonight," he said.

The Jaguars will need that booster as the team's next three opponents are the SEC?s Auburn, Mississippi State and Ole Miss.

(C) 2006 The Vanguard via CSTV U-WIRE