Jan. 30, 2017 by The Vanguard

If it matters to you, it matters to us.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

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MONDAY JAN 30 2017 VOL 59 ISS 19

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Men’s basketball beats Georgia State The Jags beat the No. 1 team in the Sun Belt Conference. Page 9

War and Remembrance

USA fraternity gives back

“War and Remembrance on the Alabama Gulf Coast” debuted earlier this month. Page 4

Pi Kappa Phi volunteered their time at the Mulherin Custodial Home. Page 6

LIFE

The University of South Alabama’s Alumni Hall houses STAT. Photo by Jake Cannon

The Brick Pit has served the Mobile area for more than 24 years. Photo by Jake Cannon

The Brick Pit renews local interest

STAT connects alumni and students By Morgan Parton | life editor

Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) is a student organization on the University of South Alabama striving to facilitate interaction between alumni and students. STAT is sponsored by the National Alumni Association and promotes networking and preparing students for the professional life. “We want to prepare students for what life is really like after graduation,” said Coleman Wolf,

membership specialist for the Office of Alumni Relations and the National Alumni Association. “You’re only a student for four years but alumni for life.” Coleman was a member of STAT during his time as a student at South and learned valuable skills from his experience. He learned time management, interviewing skills, resume writing and how to dress in appropriate business attire. Through STAT, students also meet peers who live off campus. STAT provides a one-person

By marissa mason | managing editor

scholarship of $500 every year. Applicants must be a member of STAT, have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, and campus and club involvement. Applications can be found at the Alumni Relations Office and through students’ scholarship portal, JagSPOT. The deadline to submit scholarships this year is Monday, April 3. STAT membership is not labor intensive, which is beneficial to students with busy schedules. Students can stay involved with STAT by attending monthly Continued on page 5

The unassuming red and white building nestled on Old Shell Road was once a catering service, then a day care, and after that, a Thai restaurant. Today, Mobilians know it as The Brick Pit. “Twenty-four years ago, it finally found what it wanted to be,” said The Brick Pit owner Bill Armbrecht. The walls are covered in compliments handwritten in Sharpie by past customers as a testament to its rich history and years of food service to the local Continued on page 7

Managing Editor | Marissa Mason smm1421@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Jan. 30, 2017

NEWS

anguard Student submission on Higher Ed Day THE

Dear Editor,

University of South Alabama Alpha Hall South Room 336, Mobile, Ala., 36688 Tel: 460-6898 I Fax: 414-8293 Advertising: (678) 644-7838 thevanguardeditor@gmail.com STAFF Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Copy Editor Opinion Editor Life Editor Sports Editor Web Editor

Alanna Whitaker Marissa Mason Micaela Walley Joel Goode Morgan Parton Casie Carr Cydnei Nettles

Reporters Krisha Amin Ryann Guy

Advertising

Advertising Manager Spencer Schuneman Advertising Rep. Tim Holloway Graphic Designer Alex Jackson

Management Advising J. Sellers J. Aucoin Accounting Kathy Brannan

As a student of the University of South Alabama, I am concerned with the way my school handles political issues. With the election this past fall, the University made clear its policies on backing candidates and how we must make sure the University’s name is not attached to backing a candidate. Shouldn’t being nonpartisan include policies and funding as well? Not quite. With Higher Education Day coming around, USA is doing everything it can to get students to rally for funding in Montgomery, Alabama. By offering everything a college student loves, they are basically bribing students with T-shirts, food, transportation, community

service hours and an excused absence. They do this only because it fits their agenda and the students just blindly do what they ask. If a student or student group were to want to rally at the capital for any other reason, the school would not give them the benefits they give students that go rally on the behalf of the school. This is because it simply doesn’t fit their agenda. If students wanted to rally for concealed carry on campus, it doesn’t benefit the university administration so students would not get those benefits. If any student wanted to rally for any other cause, they must use their own money or request to use some of the money allocated to them from SGA, which is not

guaranteed to be approved. If they were to get approved funding from SGA, which is only $2000 a year, it is significantly less than what the school is paying for Higher Education Day. Students are unaware of this. They mostly likely saw it as a field trip to spend time with friends. At the end, the school should treat all forms of policy and politics the same and follow their policy for backing candidates and not involve themselves. If they want a rally for higher education then they should encourage someone to start a student group, wait three semesters and apply for funding from SGA. Your Peer, Brent Carr

Distribution Distribution Cory Judkins Cameron Hall

Mission The Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surrounding areas. The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its First Amendment rights.

Send letters and guest columns to: thevanguardeditor@gmail.com Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer. The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board. All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight. The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, e-mail thevanguardeditor@gmail.com. The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations, and is published twice each summer. The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Student Media Department of the Division of Student Affairs. Issues are available at most University buildings and select off-campus locations. The first copy is free. Additional copies are $1 each. Freelance writers will receive payment at the discretion of the section editor and will be notified.

To request additional issues at a stand near you, email: vanguarddistribution@gmail.com

OPEN 7AM-10PM M-S KITCHEN OPEN 8AM-6PM 5460 OLD SHELL ROAD

251-344-4575

NEWS

Managing Editor | Marissa Mason smm1421@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Jan. 30, 2017

SGA meets, discusses senate projects for spring special for the vanguard

The Student Government Association met Jan. 23 to discuss the status of senate projects currently in progress. Senators from the colleges of engineering and computing are working together to investigate purchasing charging stations for Shelby Hall. These stations will be similar to those in the Student Center. The senators are also considering placing a Keurig coffee machine in Shelby Hall to serve students who study there after Starbucks closes. The College of Arts and Science has three capital improvement projects planned. Two of the projects aim to improve the Instructional Laboratory (ILB) and life science buildings by adding more study areas and equipment. The Humanities Building is the target of their third project, with the goal being to eliminate smoking at the Humanities Building and enhance the area around the building. The College of Education’s project is to update their lab by buying more computers. The College of Education plans to buy five Macbooks and has asked the SGA to purchase five additional computers. The School of Continuing Education and Special Programs plans to bring seating to the courtyard between the Student Center and Meisler Hall. SGA discussed potentially installing a water fountain and bringing Wi-fi to the area. There is also talk of inviting visual art students to compete to have their art pieces decorate the courtyard. The College of Medicine is planning a gumbo-chili showdown to benefit the Regan Robinson Young Scholarship, which was created to honor a USA medical student who died of stage four colon cancer. The College of Medicine senators are working with local grocery stores to provide a discount on gumbo and chili supplies for teams

UPDATE entering the competition. The Colleges of Allied Health and Nursing are teaming up with Alpha Epsilon Delta honor society to produce the fifth annual MegaMusical Chairs fundraising event on Saturday, April 8 in the Student Center Amphitheater at 11 a.m. Last year, more than 600 tickets were sold to the student body and they raised over $5,500. The tickets are $5 and sold two weeks prior to the event. There will be various booths around the USA campus for ticket purchases. All proceeds from the fundraiser go to the winner’s nonprofit charity of choice. The College of Allied Health is also working on bringing the BioEthics Bowl, a debate-style competition that would focus on ethical issues within medicine and public health policies. Loyola University and the University of Tulsa have committed to attend. Lastly, Mitchell College of Business senators are working with faculty to improve exposure of existing initiatives, such as the Career Prep Closet, which provides professional clothing to students for entry into the business world. They are also planning to raise student awareness of their initiatives by improving their Web presence. Additionally, MCOB senators are planning to improve MCOB Field Day.

USA Crime Report

251-460-6312 1-19-2017 Domestic Incident The Grove A domestic incident was reported in The Grove.

1-24-2017 Burglary Third Degree The Grove A handgun and ammunition was stolen from victim’s car at The Grove.

1-19-2017 Possession of a Weapon The Grove During a domestic incident, an offender was found to have a handgun.

1-24-2017 Domestic Argument The Grove An unknown person reported a possible domestic incident in The Grove.

1-22-017 Domestic Violence Third Degree Epsilon 1 A female made a walk-in report of the incident.

1-25-2017 Striking Unoccupied Vehicle Delta parking near Epsilon 1 Victim discovered vehicle damaged in Delta Loop parking lot.

1-22-2017 Stalking Second Degree Epsilon 1 A female made a report of the incident.

1-26-2017 Disturbing University Functions Humanities Bldg. During a class, a verbal altercation occurred between a student and the rest of the class including the instructor.

1-24-2017 Striking Unoccupied Vehicle Kappa Sigma Fraternity A student’s car was damaged in the Gamma parking lot.

NEWS

Managing Editor | Marissa Mason smm1421@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Jan. 30, 2017

February Events USA Marx Library exhibition now open 9 Thursday HireAJag Career Fair Mitchell Center Grand Globe Lobby 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

10 Friday Trivia Night Student Center East Lobby 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.

16 Thursday Jaguar Productions Comedy Night Student Center Terrace 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

17 Friday Jaguar Productions Mardi Gras Ball Student Center Ballroom 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

21 Tuesday USA Symphony Band and Wind Ensemble Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

22 Wednesday Alabama Academy of Sciences Meeting Student Center Time not listed

25 Saturday USA Day Mitchell Center 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art is currently exhibiting the “War and Remembrance on the Alabama Gulf Coast.” Photos by Jake Cannon By Krisha Amin | Reporter

The USA Marx Library debuted its newest exhibit “War and Remembrance on the Alabama Gulf Coast” on January 17 in on the third floor in the Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art. The exhibit follows the stories of different wartime commemorations around the Mobile area. Elements include the unforgettable distressing battles, personal sacrifices, individual courage and as a result the violence and controversy endured, and the learning experiences and everlasting memories that define Mobile’s wartime history. The “War and Remembrance” exhibit is held in association with the Center for the Study of War and Memory. Dr. Steven Trout, USA English chair and professor, and Dr. Susan McCready, USA French professor, are the codirectors of the Center for the Study of War and Memory. The Center is an informal team of scholars from different USA departments whose research is related to the various aspects of wartime commemoration, according to McCready. “War and Remembrance” features a range of collective

memories. This includes a memorial on Spring Hill College campus honoring Stephen Karopczyc, who was killed in Vietnam and awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Although not a memorial, the Center also pays homage to Holocaust survivors through the Agnes Tennenbaum Holocaust Collection in Marx Library, which seeks to keep the memory of the horrors and triumph of the Holocaust alive through a legacy of education. “There are sites whose meaning has evolved over time,” McCready said. In addition to informative content on the panels, “bonus material” is on display in 12 glass cases. Artifacts include rare Civil War letters, old photos, and World War I books. Ms. Carol Ellis, director of the McCall Library, and her team were able to procure several of the rare features of the exhibit. Trout and McCready conducted the wartime research, produced the written content, and chose the complementing visual elements for the exhibit. The pieces fell into place when Dr. Diane Gibbs, interim chairperson of visual arts and graphic design professor, took this given content and formatted

it onto panels in the form that is seen in the library. Trout initially proposed the idea for the exhibit in 2016. The exhibit was a way to showcase the work of the Center for the Study of War and Memory to an audience of students, faculty, staff, non-specialists and the general public. Complete audio tours for the exhibit can be accessed under the Center for the Study of War and Memory SoundCloud page or their USA web page. The Center for the Study of War and Memory has other projects in store for the rest of the semester, including an interdisciplinary conference “France and the Memory of the Great War,” a documentary “Journey to the Wilderness,” and a podcast series “War and Memory Podcast,” which can be found on SoundCloud. Admission to the “War and Remembrance on the Alabama Gulf Coast” exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours until Feb. 28, 2017. The traveling exhibit will be displayed in the Fairhope Public Library on March 6, followed by the Mobile Ben May Library on May 2, and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park from July 3 to end of December.

LIFE

Life Editor | Morgan Parton mmp1429@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Jan. 30, 2017

STAT students (cont.) Continued from page 1

STAT by attending monthly meetings. Most meetings have a speaker to benefit students with career development and tips to cultivate valuable skills. Every fall, STAT hosts their signature event, Dinner with Alumni, to allow students to eat and learn from alumni in their field. Students are seated with professionals in their field. In years past at this event, STAT hosted business professionals, lawyers, engineers, published authors, nurses and teachers. Members learn how alumni made it to where they are now and the proper steps they took to reach their goals. Meeting professionals gives insight to reach professional career goals, and it also serves as a networking opportunity. Past members of STAT have gained connections that led them to internships and employment

after graduation. “It’s a great way for students to learn the do’s and don’t’s of their field,” Wolf said. “Students find out what life is really like in their profession, outside of the classroom.” STAT also hosts an annual Welcome Back Cookout hosted on the Alumni Hall lawn. Incoming freshman are introduced to STAT and alumni staff. Free food and free drinks are provided. Membership in STAT is open to all students, undergraduates or graduates, in good standing with USA. Students can become a member by filling out an application at www.southalabama.edu/ departments/alumni/stat., and returning to Alumni Hall. To learn more about STAT, students may call the Alumni office at 460-7084, or email alumni@southalabama.edu.

STAT membership is open to all USA students. Photo by Jake Cannon

Dr. Katie Malozzi recently was appointed as a full-time staff physician for the University of South Alabama Student Health Center. Prior to her appointment to USA, Dr. Malozzi was a family medicine staff physician at Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Biloxi, Miss. Dr. Malozzi previously served as a family medicine staff physician and United States Navy Senior Medical Officer at Naval Health Branch Clinic Gulfport in Gulfport, Miss. She earned her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia and completed a family medicine internship and residency at Naval Hospital Pensacola in Pensacola, Fla., where she served as chief resident. Dr. Malozzi is board-certified in family medicine. To make an appointment, call

(251) 460-7151.

Dr. Katie Malozzi

The USA Student Health Center is located at 5870 Alumni Drive on USA’s main campus. Student Health Services are available during each semester to all students actively enrolled in the University. In addition, the center has sports medicine services available for students and collaborates closely with the athletics department and all university athletes.

Life Editor | Morgan Parton mmp1429@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Jan. 30, 2017

LIFE

USA fraternity gives back

MAKE MIRABELLE YOUR HOME!

Pi Kappa Phi member Ross McDonald visits a Mulherin Home resident. Photo by Morgan Parton By morgan parton | life Editor

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USA fraternity Pi Kappa Phi volunteered their time with the residents at the Mulherin Home, which houses those with intellectual or physical handicaps. Nationwide, every fraternity partners with a specific philanthropy that each chapter supports. All fundraising events, regardless of the campus chapter, will benefit the national philanthropy. Pi Kappa Phi’s national philanthropy is the Ability Experience, which focuses on helping those who struggle with disabilities. Last semester, USA’s Pi Kappa Phi raised $7,300 for the Ability Experience. Pi Kapp has volunteered at the Mulherin Home many times over the last several years. The Mulherin Home residents may struggle with any variety of disabilities such as walking, eating, speaking, interpersonal communication or other significant physical handicaps. “It’s a really good way to ease our new members into philanthropy service and give back to the community,” Chase Pope, philanthropy chairman of Pi Kappa Phi, said. “We really try

to make the residents feel at home when we come here.” Most residents don’t get the opportunity to see many new faces, so visiting volunteers are special to them. The visit began with hugs from a resident named Lenny. He is one of the 28 residents living in the Mulherin Custodial Home. During their visit, the brothers devoted their time to talking and playing board games with the residents. Residents’ faces beamed with joy and the brothers greeted and hugged them warmly. Ross McDonald, former president of Pi Kappa Phi, has volunteered with the Home three times, and volunteering means a lot to him. “Some of the residents still remember me when I come visit here,” McDonald said. “Last year, we played soccer with them, and it was a really fun time. It’s just a good time to get to know the residents and give back to the community.” Volunteers at the Mulherin Home realize how they can impact someone’s life by giving their time to others and sharing kindness. Perhaps the old adage rings true: it is better to give back than to receive.

LIFE

Life Editor | Morgan Parton mmp1429@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Jan. 30, 2017

The Brick Pit renews local interest (cont.)

The Brick Pit has served the Mobile area for more than 24 years. Photo by Jake Cannon

Customer compliments color the walls of The Brick Pit. Photo by Jake Cannon

Continued from page 1

community. “I thought about doing the dollar bill on the wall thing, but that had been done at so many places,” Armbrecht said. “So, we let people write their comments on the wall.” The Brick Pit has attracted famous customers such as Nicolas Cage, Nick Saban and AJ McCarron. The restaurant has been featured on several national food shows. Man v. Food Nation host Adam Richman claimed The Brick Pit had the most succulent pork ever during his visit to the Gulf Coast. The Brick Pit’s barbecue is arguably some of the best you’ll find in Mobile. Customers may choose between chicken that is smoked for eight hours, ribs that are smoked for 12 hours, or pulled pork that is smoked for 30 hours over a blend of hickory and pecan wood. They use 80 percent pecan wood to give the meat a more mild smoky flavor than pure mesquite and hickory, which have been known to overpower the flavor of the meat. Thee pulled pork is hand pulled to remove 90 percent of the fat.

Everything, including the sides, are cooked in a smoker, nicknamed Big Red, with no extra seasoning beside a slab of fat on the meat to keep it moist. Most meat would dry out after being exposed to dry heat for hours on end, but Armbrecht selects his meat, especially his pork, to have enough fat content to keep it moist. While the meat is smoking, the fat melts into the meat, mixing with the flavor of the smoke to produce their signature flavor. After 30 hours of smoking, the pork remains tender. Rich, smoky meats. Tangy sauce. Homemade baked beans and coleslaw. It’s difficult to understand how The Brick Pit could struggle. A Facebook status was recently posted asking customers to order from The Brick Pit if they wanted to preserve the historic location and help keep the establishment running. Armbrecht said that construction along Old Shell Road resulted in customers detouring to other local restaurants out of convenience. “We orchestrated the Facebook post because of the road

Guests are free to decorate the walls in The Brick Pit. Photo by Jake Cannon

projects,” Armbrecht said. “We understand why we need them, but it stops traffic. After coming off the recession, it put us in real jeopardy. Thankfully, we have a lot of good friends who love this place and were willing to help out.” After The Brick Pit’s Facebook post, locals were flocking to The Brick Pit to show their support. With the influx of customers and help from several generous friends, the business was able to stay open. The Brick Pit appears to be back on its feet for now.

“Places like this give Mobile its culinary flavor, unlike chain restaurants,” Armbrecht said. “You don’t want to lose these icons, but if you don’t support them, you will.” Customers who bring a copy of The Vanguard will receive $2 off a lunch or dinner meal. The Brick Pit offers lunch and dinner with both dine-in and takeout options. Anyone over 21 may bring their own beer. Visit The Brick Pit at 5456 Old Shell Rd. or call (251) 343-0001 for more information.

Sports Editor | Casie Carr cdc1526@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Jan. 30, 2017

Upcoming Games

SPORTS

Gerald Everett plays in Senior Bowl

Home Men’s Basketball vs. Georgia State Jan. 30 | 8 p.m. Men’s Tennis vs. Florida A&M Feb. 5 | 10 a.m. Men’s Tennis vs. Nicholls Feb. 5 | 2:30 p.m. South Alabama Track and Field Invitational Feb. 5 | TBA

Away Women’s Basketball at Troy Feb. 4 | 2 p.m. Men’s Tennis at Southern Miss Feb. 4 | 1:30 p.m.

Gerald Everett is considered a top first-round NFL draft pick. Photo by Edwin Mendoza

than ever,” Everett said. “It was a great experience to play alongside OJ Howard from UA as well as USA senior tight end Gerald Everett, a top first-round NFL draft other players from around the pick, represented the University of country, not just in the SBC.” In his first year at USA, Everett South Alabama at the Senior Bowl game this year. was added to the first-team all-Sun Belt Conference, as well as to the Everett played football for one year in high school and one year at league’s All-Newcomer Team, and the first-team all-conference. UAB before transferring to USA. He was ranked No. 6 nationally “It was a bittersweet feeling to wear No. 12 and the Jag helmet in among tight ends for receiving yards per game and tied for the Ladd Stadium for the last time,” Everett said. “I’d like to thank No. 11 ranking in the country for catches per game. all of my coaches who made my transition from UAB a lot easier Everett plans to go home to Florida to rest up for a few days and helped me grow as a player.” before getting back to training. In this past season, Everett Everett has previously stated that showed off his improved talents the Seahawks were his favorite until he was injured. He tied the record for touchdown catches in NFL team. According to the Fox Sports NFL Mock Draft, the Los one season at USA and ranked among the top 10 in USA history Angeles Rams seem to be very for receptions and receiving yards interested in scooping up this awesome tight end straight out of in a season. the south. Although he was out for a few Everett says he is ready to games, Everett made it back in before the end of the season and go pro and is thankful for the was the only USA player invited to opportunity to improve with the help of a great NFL coach and the senior bowl. practicing with the best of the best “I rested my knee on Thursday in college football. just to be safe, but it feels better By Casie Carr | Sports Editor

WE’RE

HIRING ! The Vanguard is currently seeking a sports reporter. Applicants should write a brief summary explaining their interest in USA sports.

Apply with resume and sample of writing to thevanguardeditor@gmail.com.

SPORTS

Sports Editor | Casie Carr cdc1526@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Jan. 30, 2017

Men’s basketball wins big against Georgia State

USA basketball player Jeremiah Littles controls the ball during the game against Georgia State University. Photo by Briana Cunningham

By Casie Carr | Sports Editor

USA Men’s Basketball earned a victory 7-1 against No. 1 Sun Belt team Georgia Southern. USA Men’s Basketball traveled to Arkansas in the beginning of the week, but could not pull out a win against Arizona State. The Jags made it a close game for No. 3 ASU and pulled out a fantastic win over GSU. USA’s conference record is 3-5, and their overall record is 10-11. “We have some guys that are very competitive and hate to lose,” Graves said. “Those are the guys that we went with and they fought hard.” Against ASU, USA scored 31 points per half with the help of game leader Josh Ajayi. Ajayi has reached double-digit points in six of his last seven games and has led the team in scoring in the last two games. “Around the basket, I know he had a few that he would like to have back because he got fouled, but I thought Josh did a great job of spacing the floor and he took 3’s that were in rhythm and

uncontested,” head coach Matthew Graves said. Unfortunately, ASU wore the defense down and were up by 14 points at halftime. “I thought in the first half we started really well with that group,” Graves said. “I thought they defended and gave us a chance early, but as the half wore on they were quicker to the ball and able to beat us on the glass.” After the half though, USA came out strong with a 10-0 run, holding the Red Wolves scoreless for almost seven minutes to get USA to 45-41. The Jags later had two 6-0 runs, pulling them within four points each time. “The two things we changed were our ball-screen coverage and we challenged them at halftime to play physical, tough, aggressive basketball,” Graves said. “We were allowing guys to drive it and rebound it on us in the first half, but our guys really responded to the challenge in the second half.” Unfortunately, ASU responded and could not be defended, finishing on a 10-3 run. “You’re talking about a team

that is now 8-0 at home and that’s what good teams are supposed to do: put you away late,” Graves said. The biggest issue that we had was getting behind like we did in the first half. We can’t allow that to happen. But at the same time, I really liked that we didn’t quit and continued to fight and play hard. “We’re going to continue to play guys that are team-first guys and will do the little things that will ultimately add up to wins.” Later in the week USA faced Georgia Southern university, although the game started off slow for the Jags, they were only trailing by 4 at halftime. After the half, Nick Davis lit a fire in the team and really made them believe in themselves. In the second half, USA held the Eagles to 26 points and pulled out a win 78-66. “I’m very proud of this team,” head coach Matthew Graves said. “We had the No. 1 team in the league coming in and our backs were against the wall a little bit. Early on, you have to give credit to Georgia Southern for making a lot of shots from the perimeter, but

in about the last five minutes of the first half and the entire second half I thought we really buckled down and defended like we needed to, in order to be a championshiplevel team.” USA had a big run in the second half and forced GSU into 13 straight misses. Trailing by 12 with 15:05 left in the second half, the Jags scored 20 points over a 6:54 stretch to take a five-point lead. Stover, Davis, and Williams combined for 16 of those 20 points, taking a 12-0 burst to close out the run. GSU responded with a 7-2 run, but USA took 9 straight points with a bucket from Stover, back to back layups from Ajayi , and a triple from Stover to take the biggest lead of the night. “The bench was into it, our guys were flying around defensively and we shared the ball well offensively,” Graves said. “As a team we had 17 assists on 28 field goals, that’s outstanding, and tonight we made our free throws which is always a good thing. “This was by far the best those guys have executed our draw-up from time out to on the floor. It really shows how in tune they were and that their attention levels were high. I’m really pleased overall with our effort.” This would end a three-game losing streak for USA and hand the Eagles their first Sun Belt Conference loss of the season. “This game meant a lot to them. This is how we have to play every single game if you want to be a championship level team. “You have to show consistency and the attention to detail to switch a ball screen or run a certain cut when you need to that we may have never practiced before. I thought that our guys did a tremendous job for us tonight.” USA has a quick turnaround, scheduled to host No. 4 in the conference, Georgia State Monday, Jan. 30 at 8 p.m.

Sports Editor | Casie Carr cdc1526@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Jan. 30, 2017

SPORTS

Women’s Basketball falls short again

On left, USA basketball player Chyna Ellis takes a shot from the paint. On right, Ellis attempts to block another player. Photos by Briana Cunningham

By Casie Carr | Sports Editor

USA women’s basketball faced Georgia State and Georgia Southern this week, falling short both times, unable to score more than 45 points in each game. As part of Coaches vs.. Cancer, all players and coaches wore gold and black in support of the Appalachian State head coach Angel Elderkin, who is currently fighting to defeat endometrial cancer. All the SBC teams participated in this to raise awareness and collected donations at the game for cancer research. USA’s first matchup was against Georgia State. Both teams were 2-6 in the Sun Belt Conference and USA was 7-12 overall and GSU was 6-13. The Jags could not come back after the second quarter when GSU held them to a single point. “First of all, I have to thank our marketing and promotions staff for getting the elementary school kids out here,” head coach

Terry Fowler said. “It was a great atmosphere for our ladies.” In the first quarter, USA was winning 12-8. In the second quarter, USA began to rack up fouls and had little shooting success. Not only did USA give GSU the advantage with fouls, but USA had six turnovers in this quarter. Chyna Ellis scored the only point of the quarter with a free throw opportunity. In the second half USA came back with an 11-0 run to tie the game at 26-26. “I was proud of the way we fought back,” Fowler said. “I think that if we had gotten a stop after our comeback and gotten another basket for some cushion, we could have been able to keep the lead and potentially win the game. “We just didn’t have it today. We are going to see similar play on Saturday against Georgia Southern, so we just have to be able to make those shots.” In the Jag ladies’ second game of the week, facing Georgia

Southern who was 4-5 in the conference and 8-12 overall, USA was the underdog with a 2-7 conference standing and 7-13 overall. In the first quarter, GSU started strong and USA had to play catch up. The Jags were shut out in the first six minutes of the game as GSU gained a 7-0 lead. GSU fouls gave USA the opportunity to score. Two successful free throws, along with a three pointer, put USA back in the game. The Eagles responded with another 7-0 run. In the second quarter the Jag defense could not keep up with the Eagles, who maintained the lead with another 8-0 run. “We gave up 16 points in each of the first two quarters, so they were on a pace to get their average which was right around 64 points,” Fowler said. “I challenged the team at halftime to do a better job on the defensive end of the floor, and I thought we did.” In the second half, the Jags went in losing 32-21, but the

defense stepped up and was able to hold the Eagles to just 2 points the entire quarter. While scoring 12 more points, making the score going into the last quarter 33 USA and 34 GSU. The Jags had a chance to win the game, but they were unable to gain a lead in the fourth quarter, as the Eagles scored the next point each time it became a onepossession game. With 5:59 left in the game, the Jags down by two, the late fourth quarter run started for the Eagles. “We can’t stop with our momentum when we fight back and make it a game,” Fowler said. “We gave up too many points from turnovers and fouls, but the real problem is the missed shots. We have to gain offensive confidence.” USA will have six days of rest before the scheduled game against the in-state rival Troy University, Saturday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m.

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