Southern Miss' Late Rally Falls Short at Arkansas State

JONESBORO, Ark. – Despite Southern Miss' (12-10, 6-4 Sun Belt) halftime lead at Arkansas State (9-14, 5-5 Sun Belt) on Wednesday night, the Red Wolves escaped with a 78-71 win at First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro, Ark.

For only the second time under Jay Ladner, Southern Miss limited itself to four turnovers. It was the first time the Golden Eagles achieved that feat since hosting Montana on Nov. 29, 2022. While taking care of the ball, Southern Miss hit a scoring drought midway through the second half that proved to be too much to overcome.

After a Victor Iwuakor layup at the 12:45 mark in the second half, the Golden Eagles didn't make another field goal until Austin Crowley scored with 3:51 to play. Crowley's basket turned a 13-point deficit into a five-point game thanks to the Golden Eagles knocking down 11 free throws during their field goal drought.

Southern Miss got within three after another Crowley layup, but Arkansas State held steady as it held the Golden Eagles scoreless after Crowley's basket at the 2:50 mark. Caleb Fields led all scorers with 27 points and eight assists.

Donovan Ivory, Iwuakor and Crowley all finished with 17 points – Iwuakor's point total was one shy of tying his career high. Mo Arnold finished his night with 14 points, including two three-pointers.

Iwuakor pulled down a career-high 12 rebounds, topping his previous best of 11 against UAB in early December. The Golden Eagles 35.6 percent from from the floor and 35.7 percent from deep. Arkansas State 46.8 percent for the game and 50 percent in the second half.

Southern Miss finishes its four-game road trip on Saturday at Texas State. Tip-off in San Marcos, Texas is set for 4:15 p.m. on ESPN+. The game will follow Texas State's women's basketball game that is slated to start at 2 p.m.

Game Notes
- Victor Iwuakor has recorded a block in nine consecutive games after having three tonight
- Southern Miss was 9-0 heading into today's game when it was leading at the half – it's now 9-1
- The Golden Eagles only turned the ball over four times. It was tied for the fewest under Jay Ladner after his squad had four against Montana last season
- Iwuakor picked up a career-high 12 rebounds and grabbed the second double-double of his career

Southern Miss' Late Rally Falls Short at Arkansas State

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Team Stats

Victor Iwuakor

Austin Crowley

Donovan Ivory

Mo Arnold

Players Mentioned

Mo Arnold

Austin Crowley

Donovan Ivory

Victor Iwuakor