NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — The South Alabama women’s basketball team lost for the first time this season, 47-40 to Cal State Northridge, then rebounded to beat Detroit 59-56 in the consolation game of the Radisson Hotel Chatsworth Thanksgiving Basketball Classic at the Matadome.
The split left the Lady Jaguars 5-1 heading into the start of Sun Belt Conference play.
Cold Shooting Against Cal State Northridge
South Alabama shot a season-low 22.1 percent from the field in Friday’s opening-round loss, which dropped the Jaguars to 4-1.
“It really didn’t matter where the shots were coming from tonight, we just couldn’t score,” South Alabama head coach Rick Pietri said. “You have to give part of the credit to that to Cal State Northridge’s defense.”
South Alabama trailed by 12 or 13 points before cutting the deficit to five late in the second half. Pietri said his team made adjustments after halftime and got open looks on the perimeter and near the basket but could not finish.
“We just couldn’t make that one extra play offensively and (Cal State Northridge) responded,” Pietri said. “They’re a good team and were picked to win their league for a reason.”
Nixon Leads Win Over Detroit
Mary Nixon returned to the lineup Saturday after missing the previous two games and led South Alabama with 19 points in the 59-56 win over Detroit. She made 5 of 11 shots from the field and 6 of 8 free throws.
“Mary Nixon clearly is a difference maker for us,” Pietri said. “She sat out the last two games for us and today was available to play and was excellent. She not only does things individually, but her presence has a positive effect on the rest of our group.”
Pietri also praised the play of Mansa El, saying Nixon’s presence on the floor helped her.
“When we are fully stocked, I feel really good about where we are as a team as we move forward,” he said.
Up Next
South Alabama opens Sun Belt play Wednesday at Florida Atlantic. Tipoff is set for 6:05 p.m. Central.
