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Mobile, Alabama – Richie Riley’s South Alabama Jaguars had Auburn on the ropes with 2.9 seconds to play. Andre Fox made a 3 pointer with 28 seconds to go, giving South Alabama its first lead of the second half. Auburn, having only scored nine points during the previous ten minutes of game clock, didn’t seem to have a good look, with Anfernee McLemore and J’Von McCormick missing threes during the final possession, each of which was rebounded by Samir Doughty. Doughty found freshman Isaac Okoro under the rim with three seconds to play. Okoro made a fade away in the lane, while drawing a foul. Okoro missed the free throw, but South Alabama’s final look from half court was off target, and Auburn came away with a 70-69 victory.
Okoro finished with 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting, with six rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. He switched between all five positions on defense. His playmaking ability stood out in particular on this night, as many of his passes led his teammates to wide open shots. Memphis transfer Jamal Johnson scored 14 points in 17 minutes for Auburn, including 4-of-5 shooting from three-point range. Doughty finished with a double-double, with 10 points and 10 rebounds and McCormick added nine points on 3-of-7 shooting from distance. McCormick once again struggled with four turnovers and he missed all three of his free throw opportunities.
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South Alabama was led by Andre Fox with a game high 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting, along with 10 rebounds. He was 4-of-5 from 3, and played 39 minutes, despite finishing with four fouls. Fox used ball screens to get open for multiple threes. Josh Ajayi was the only other Jaguar in double figures with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, along with nine rebounds. He had a difficult time against Auburn’s frontcourt, and finished the game with four fouls. The potential Sun Belt Player of the Year stretched the floor with a three, and also displayed some playmaking ability, finishing with three assists.
Auburn (3-0) returns home on Friday to Cal State Northridge. South Alabama (2-1) will travel to face Chattanooga on Friday.
This article was written by Lee Busby, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter. Thanks to USA Basketball for the photos.
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