Balanced Attack Fuels Lady Eagles in Defeat of South Alabama

Thursday, December 18

Reed Green Coliseum

5 p.m.

Southern Miss

8-4,1-0Sun Belt

South Alabama

7-4,0-1Sun Belt

South Alabama

Southern Miss.

Photo by: Joe Harper/bgnphoto.com

Balanced Attack Fuels Lady Eagles in Defeat of South Alabama

12/18/2025 8:26:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Photo Gallery

HATTIESBURG, Miss. —The Lady Eagles raised scoring threats inside and out and a defense to defeat South Alabama in a 84-65 win Thursday evening in Reed Green Coliseum.

Southern Miss answered an early run by the Jaguars with defensive pressure and timely shot-making, using forced turnovers to generate transition opportunities and steady the opening frame. Meloney Thames knocked down an early three, while Sakyia White and Hayleigh Breland capitalized inside following opponent miscues to keep the Lady Eagles within reach. Southern Miss continued to apply pressure late in the quarter, converting back-to-back fast-break opportunities, including Jakayla Johnson's layup in the final seconds, to pull even. The teams entered the second quarter tied at 18–18.

Southern Miss settled into the game defensively and used pressure to disrupt rhythm, forcing multiple turnovers that fueled a strong response midway through the quarter. After briefly falling behind, the Lady Eagles strung together a 10–0 run highlighted by Jakayla Johnson's back-to-back transition layups and Meloney Thames' shooting from beyond the arc to pull even. Thames and Morgan Sieper each connected on threes as Southern Miss gained momentum, while Sakyia White added a second-chance bucket to push the Lady Eagles in front. Despite late fouls and missed opportunities on both ends, Southern Miss carried a 36–32 advantage into halftime.

Southern Miss opened the second half with confidence, knocking down back-to-back threes from Hayleigh Breland and Morgan Sieper to quickly build a double-digit cushion. The Lady Eagles continued to capitalize on turnovers, with Jakayla Johnson igniting a 10–0 run midway through the quarter behind consecutive three-pointers and steady ball movement. Despite stretches of second-chance opportunities by the opposition, Southern Miss maintained control through defensive rebounds and timely scoring inside and out. Brikayla Gray added a late three before Hayleigh Breland finished in transition, allowing the Lady Eagles to carry a 62–51 lead into the final period.

Southern Miss maintained control to open the final period, answering an early three with strong second-chance scoring and timely baskets in transition to keep the margin in double figures. Hayleigh Breland and Jakayla Johnson helped steady the offense, while Sakyia White and Meloney Thames provided key finishes around the rim. Despite a late push fueled by perimeter shooting and offensive rebounds from the opposition, the Lady Eagles continued to generate quality looks and controlled the pace through the final minutes. Southern Miss closed the game with consistent effort on both ends, securing the win at home.

The Lady Eagles was led by Jakayla Johnson, who paced the Lady Eagles with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Hayleigh Breland followed with an efficient 17 points, adding six rebounds and three assists, while Meloney Thames contributed 16 points. Sakyia White anchored the interior with a double-double, finishing with 14 points and a game-high 12 rebounds as Southern Miss placed four players in double figures.

The Lady Eagles are set to face off against Louisiana on Dec. 20th at 1 p.m. in Reed Green Coliseum.

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