It nearly took a whole half, however Southern lastly took management of its Southwestern Athletic Convention sport in opposition to upset-minded Mississippi Valley on Monday.
Boosted by a late run within the ultimate minutes of the primary half, Southern went on to defeat the Delta Devils 84-70 in Itta Bena, Mississippi.
Southern (10-10, 6-1 SWAC) blistered the nets within the first half for 64.5%. Even so, there have been 5 ties and 6 lead modifications till the Jaguars lastly created separation. Main 38-37, a 9-2 run lifted the Jaguars to a 47-39 lead on the break.
Mississippi Valley (2-20, 1-7) got here inside 49-45 of Southern within the opening minutes of the second half however by no means acquired any nearer. Southern’s greatest lead was 63-49 earlier than a final gasp from Valley lower the deficit to 75-68.
Brion Whitley scored 18 factors and pulled down six rebounds for the Jaguars. Festus Ndumanya turned in his greatest sport thus far for Southern with 17 factors and 10 rebounds, and Southern outscored Valley 56-24 within the paint.
Terrell Williams (13 factors) and JaRonn Wilkens (12 factors) additionally performed key roles for the Jaguars.
Southern completed the sport 34 of 60 from the sector and outrebounded Valley 37-27.
Valley, which acquired 17 factors from Tyronn Mosley, stored up with Southern for many of the first half. The Delta Devils shot higher than 50% till lacking their final 4 photographs of the half.