North Texas outrebounded South Alabama 48-31 on Thursday night and beat the Jaguars 86-78 in a Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball game, as the South Alabama roster continued to deal with a string of player absences.
The loss dropped South Alabama to 12-8 overall and 4-4 in Sun Belt play.
Watson Ineligible for Remainder of Season
South Alabama will be without LaShun Watson for the rest of the season after the NCAA ruled him academically ineligible.
Watson’s absence adds to a depleted rotation for head coach Ronnie Arrow’s team. The Jaguars have played recent games with nine scholarship players available, down from 12.
Sims and Redus Also Out
Raymond Sims was suspended for 10 games for violating team rules. He could also miss the remainder of the season because of academic eligibility issues.
Gary Redus has been sidelined with an injury. He is expected to be able to return soon.
Depth Issues
The rebounding margin against North Texas came as South Alabama played without three regulars. In recent games the Jaguars have kept contests close in the early going before falling behind late.
Redus’s expected return would bring the Jaguars back to 10 available scholarship players.
