MOBILE, Ala. — Western Kentucky reserve Chris Harrison-Docks dropped in a floating shot from the lane with 4.3 seconds remaining, and the Hilltoppers held on for a 58-56 victory over South Alabama in the Sun Belt Conference opener for both teams at the Mitchell Center.
The loss dropped the Jaguars to 6-8 overall and 0-1 in league play. It was only the second home defeat of the season for South Alabama. Western Kentucky improved to 9-5 overall and 1-0 in the Sun Belt.
The game was the Hilltoppers’ final scheduled visit to the Mitchell Center as a member of the Sun Belt Conference.
Final Possessions
Western Kentucky called timeout with 29.2 seconds left before working the ball to Harrison-Docks, whose high-arcing shot from the lane gave the visitors the two-point lead.
South Alabama had one last chance to tie and force overtime. Augustine Rubit got a look from roughly 14 feet as time expired, but the shot came up short.
How the Game Turned
The Jaguars built an eight-point lead on three separate occasions early in the second half. Western Kentucky responded by increasing its defensive pressure, forcing turnovers during an 8-0 run that tied the score.
After a layup by Aaron Adeoye, the Hilltoppers converted South Alabama turnovers into back-to-back 3-pointers to move in front. The Jaguars answered, and from that point on neither team led by more than four points.
Western Kentucky won the first-half rebounding battle 25-15. South Alabama narrowed the margin after halftime, and the Hilltoppers finished with a 40-36 edge on the boards for the game.
Individual Leaders
Mychal Ammons led South Alabama with 15 points and added three assists. Rubit finished with 10 points and nine rebounds, and Antoine Allen also scored 10 points.
T.J. Price led all scorers with 19 points for Western Kentucky. Harrison-Docks scored 11 points off the bench and handed out four assists, and George Fant posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Series History
Western Kentucky has won the last three meetings between the programs, but South Alabama still holds a 33-32 lead in the all-time series. The Jaguars are the only Sun Belt school with a winning all-time record against the Hilltoppers.
Up Next
South Alabama remains at home to host Georgia State on Saturday. Tipoff at the Mitchell Center is set for 4:05 p.m.
