MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama basketball dropped a 79-77 decision to Arkansas in the Coors Classic at the Mitchell Center, as the Razorbacks scored on the game’s final possession after the Jaguars had controlled most of the night.
South Alabama led at halftime and held the lead for 14 minutes, 57 seconds of the second half, but Arkansas went ahead in the closing seconds to win the game.
Tilford Leads Jaguars
Domonic Tilford led South Alabama with 23 points after a strong start in the first half. Brandon Davis added 18 points and LaShun Watson scored 10, making them the only other Jaguars in double figures.
Missed Chances at the Line
With 19.6 seconds remaining, South Alabama had an opportunity to stretch its lead to three points, but Daniel Hayles missed both free throws. Arkansas then took the final shot of the game.
The Jaguars made 17 of 25 free throws for 68 percent, compared with 61 percent for Arkansas. Two more made free throws would have been enough to tie the game.
Razorbacks Hot From Long Range
Arkansas made 12 of 22 three-point attempts, or 55 percent. Perimeter shooting by opponents has been a factor in South Alabama’s losses this season.
Courtney Fortson led the Razorbacks with 25 points, and Stefan Welsh followed with 24. Rotnei Clark scored 12 points off the bench. The rest of the Arkansas roster combined for 18 points.
Pelphrey Returns to Mobile
The game marked the first trip back to the Mitchell Center for Arkansas coach John Pelphrey since he left South Alabama to take the Razorbacks job. Arkansas brought a young roster into the matchup against a more experienced South Alabama team.
The student section was more spread out than usual for the Coors Classic, and the USA Outlaws student group was not present in its usual numbers.
USA Basketball Classic Up Next
South Alabama returns to the court Friday as host of the USA Basketball Classic at the Mitchell Center, with Maine, Tulane and UC Davis in the field. Tulane and UC Davis open the tournament at 5 p.m., and the Jaguars face Maine 30 minutes after that game ends.
The tournament concludes Saturday, with the consolation game at 5 p.m. and the championship game scheduled to start 30 minutes after the consolation game finishes.
