Jaguars get the best of the Bulldogs

Box Score

Normal- The Bulldogs were competitive but weren't successful as they fell 70-62 to Southern University

A slow offensive start for both teams saw three and a half minutes tick off the game clock before the ball went through the basket. Southern scored first and took an early six point lead by the 16:09 mark.

Despite falling behind early, the Maroon & White sunk baskets on consecutive trips down the floor to close the gap to three at 12-9 by the first media timeout. Out of the break, play again slowed, as both teams were turnover prone.

The Bulldogs settled down quickly, and increased their defensive pressure by applying a full court trap. A&M forced three steals and recorded a block in the first 10 minutes of play.

After going down by 11 multiple times in the remaining 10 minutes of action, the Maroon & White would close the gap to within four, before going into the half time break trailing the first place team out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

G.A Hill hit a runner to beat the buzzer and send the Bulldogs into the break on a high note with the momentum on their side. At the end of 20, A&M trailed the visitors 36-27.

The 27 A&M points came from eight players led by Brandon Ellis six on 2-2 from distance. Justan Banks led the way on the boards with seven, two offensive and five defensive.

Calvin Godfrey led the visitors with a game high 12 points, while Yondarius Johnson led the rebounding efforts with four.

Out of the break, A&M continued to press and keep momentum in their favor. Through the first 13 minutes of the second half, the Bulldogs and Jaguars played an even battle with both teams pocketing 19 points.

Increased offensive efficiency and defensive pressure aided the Maroon & White comeback. In three minutes, A&M was able to cut a 14-point lead to just six by the 4:30 mark. The valiant effort and outscoring the Jaguars 35-34 in the second period was not enough for the Maroon & White to defeat the first place Jaguars.

A&M won the small battles of points off turnovers (19-15), second chance points (10-5) fast break opportunities (4-2) and bench points (16-13).

Leading the Bulldog efforts was A.J. Capers with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jeremy Crutcher added 14 points and five assists while Banks again led the way on the boards with nine. Banks added two blocks and a steal in 19 minutes of play.

The Maroon & White will return to the hardwood on Monday, February 24, when the host Alcorn State University on the SWAC Digital Network. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

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