Dec. 20, 2007
Final Stats
Early on, it looked like the Southern men's basketball
team might end their seven-game losing streak. But in the end, poor shooting
and bad defense doomed the Jaguars in a 79-58 loss to North Texas at The Super
Pit.
Southern (1-8) started strongly, draining five of their first
six three-pointers, including two by Steffon Wiley and raced to a quick 17-6
lead. He was one of four SU players to connect from long range during that run.
But the Jaguars' hot shooting didn't last. UNT
(7-2), the defending Sun Belt Conference Tournament champions, went on a 39-17
run to finish the half and led 45-34 at halftime. In the second half, the Eagles
led by as many as 26.
"We got off to a good start and played a good first 10
minutes," Southern coach Rob Spivery said. "But from that point
on, we were undisciplined. We kind of fell apart, weren't disciplined
enough defensively and also gave up too many easy baskets."
Wiley finished with a season-high 15 points and six rebounds.
SU freshman Julius Ingram had a career-high nine points off
the bench. Barry Honore and Douglas Scott each scored seven in a losing effort.
One bright spot for Spivery was Ingram's ongoing development.
"He's very energetic, can get to the rim and finish,"
he said. "As we continue, he's going to play more. Right now, he's
just a little unsure of what to do in certain situations. Once he figures it
out, he's going to be a pretty good player."
The SU coach also complimented Wiley on his performance but
admits he expects more from the Dallas native.
"I thought he played solidly," Spivery said. "I
would certainly like to see him become a more vocal leader on the court because
that's something we don't have right now. We like how he plays for
us but he needs to be more of an extension of a coach out there."
Monday's game was Southern's fourth straight without
junior guard and leading scorer Chris Davis. He took a leave of absence after
a loss to LSU on November 30 and has yet to return to the team.
ThE Southern Jaguars will host Baylor University at 7:00 PM
on Friday. It will be SU home opEner -- 10 games into the season.
