MOBILE, Ala. — The motion offense of UALR’s women sputtered over the course of 40 minutes against South Alabama.
But suffocating defense freed up the Trojans enough to put away the Jaguars, who shot just 27 percent from the field, with a 14-0 run during the second half in a 49-40 victory in front of 1,875 on Saturday at the Mitchell Center.
Guard Taylor Gault scored 13 points, while junior forward Hannah Fohne grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds for UALR (10-1, 3-0 Sun Belt Conference) and added eight points.
Trailing 27-24 a minute into the second half, the Trojans made their move when freshman forward Jakeisha Wells hit a layup with 18:31 and cut the lead to a point.
After South Alabama guard Mary Nixon missed a three-pointer, UALR senior guard Janette Merriex, who had eight points on 2-of-4 shooting, made a jumper to put UALR in front 28-27.
The Trojans, who shot 38.5 percent from the field, expanded their lead to 38-27 before Mansa El hit two free throws for the Jaguars with 10:15 left. South Alabama (7-5, 0-3) had missed nine consecutive shots and committed three turnovers in a row.
Brianna Wright led South Alabama with 10 points on 5-of-10 shooting, while Nixon added eight points on 4-of-14 shooting.
SATURDAY’S GAMES
UALR 49, South Alabama 40 Arkansas State 77, La.-Lafayette 53
Tulane 73, North Texas 62
Sports, Pages 33 on 12/23/2012