Southern (7-7, 3-0 SWAC) used its defense and work on the glass to control the game, leading for nearly 35 minutes and building an 18-point advantage in the fourth quarter. Bethune-Cookman (3-12, 1-1) was unable to recover after falling behind by double digits before halftime.
Porter was a force around the rim, adding four steals and helping the Jaguars dominate second-chance opportunities. Southern held a 19-7 edge in second-chance points and outscored the Wildcats 28-16 in the paint.
Jaylia Reedadded 15 points for Southern, knocking down three 3-pointers, while Jestiny Dixon scored 11 off the bench. Zaria Hurston grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds to anchor the Jaguars' interior defense.
Southern took a 29-18 lead into halftime after holding Bethune-Cookman to 30.8 percent shooting in the first half. The Jaguars extended the margin in the third quarter, shooting 53.3 percent and outscoring the Wildcats 17–12 to take a 46–30 lead.
Bethune-Cookman made a late push by scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter, but Southern answered with timely baskets and defensive stops to close out the win.
Kailyn Peters led Bethune-Cookman with 15 points, while Sanai Tyler finished with seven points and eight rebounds.
Southern shot 40.0 % from the field and forced 17 turnovers, converting them into 30 points, as the Jaguars continued their strong start to conference play
Southern University Leaders
Southern finished the night shooting 40.0 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range.
By the Numbers
-
34:59 — Time Southern played with the lead
-
18 — Largest Jaguars lead
-
30 — Points off turnovers by Southern
-
20 — Fast-break points by the Jaguar
Keys to the Game
1. Dominance in the Paint
Southern outscored Bethune-Cookman 28-16 in the paint, repeatedly punishing the Wildcats inside with Porter and strong rebounding guards.
2. Second-Chance Opportunities
The Jaguars turned hustle into points, holding a 19-7 advantage in second-chance scoring and winning the rebounding battle 36-3.
3. Defense Creating Offense
Southern forced 17 turnovers and converted them into 30 points, including multiple fast-break finishes that halted any Bethune-Cookman momentum.
4. Balanced Support
While Porter led the way, Southern received double-figure scoring from the back court and solid bench production to maintain control throughout.
Up Next
With momentum building, Southern continues conference play riding a three-game streak and growing confidence, as they travel to Tallahassee, Florida to take on Florida A&M.
Tip-off: 3 p.m.
Opponent: Florida A&M University
Location: Al Lawson Center Talahassee, FL
TV: SWAC TV
FOLLOW THE JAGUARS
For complete coverage of Southern University Athletics, please follow the Jaguars on social media at @SouthernUsports(Twitter), @SouthernUJaguars(Facebook), @southernusports(Instagram), or visit the official home of Southern University Athletics at www.gojagsports.com.
#GoJags #SouthernIsTheStandard #ProwlOn #BeyondTheStandard #DefendingSWACChampions #WeGrindDifferent
