DES MOINES, Iowa – Southern University men's basketball battled until the final minutes Sunday afternoon, putting together a late rally before falling 75-68 to Drake at the Knapp Center.
The Jaguars showed their offensive potential throughout the contest, shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range. Southern also received a strong contribution from its bench, which accounted for 48 points.
After Drake opened the game with an early lead, Southern responded with an impressive stretch midway through the first half. The Jaguars used defensive pressure and timely scoring to put together a 20-16 advantage, highlighted by baskets from Daniel "DJ" Dormu and Lionel Larvadain III. Southern continued to compete throughout the half, with Justin Page knocking down a three-pointer and converting a fast-break layup to help keep the Jaguars within striking distance. Drake carried a 33-27 lead into halftime.
Southern continued to battle coming out of the break, using its offensive rhythm to stay within reach. Malik Ferguson provided a spark with 17 points, including 10-for-11 shooting from the free-throw line. Dormu added 15 points and five assists, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc.
The Jaguars continued to apply pressure and made another push down the stretch. After trailing by as many as 14 points, Southern cut the deficit to seven, 73-66, in the final minute behind a pair of free throws from Ferguson and a three-pointer from Dormu. Ferguson added two more free throws to bring the Jaguars within five, but Drake was able to close out the contest.
R'Chaun King contributed eight points, three rebounds and three steals, while Justin Page and Cam Amboree each finished with seven points.
Southern's defensive effort also produced 10 steals, while the Jaguars turned those opportunities into 19 fast-break points. The team finished with 24 points in the paint and 48 points from its bench.
Drake was led by Jon Carroll with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Dre Kindell added 17 points.
GAME NOTES
- Southern shot 48.9 percent (22-of-45) from the floor, 42.9 percent (6-of-14) from the 3-point line and 75 percent (18-of-24) from the free-throw line
- The Jaguars grabbed 29 rebounds, with 22 coming on the defensive glass
- Malik Ferguson finished with 17 points and three rebounds
- Daniel "DJ" Dormu registered 15 points and five assist
- Southern finished with 48 bench points, 24 points in the paint, 19 fast break points, 13 points off 16 Bulldogs turnovers and eight second-chance points
- Drake went 24-of-52 from the floor (46.2 percent), 8-of-25 (32 percent) from 3-point line and 19-of-31 (61.3 percent) from the charity stripe
- The Bulldogs grabbed 31 rebounds, with 20 coming on the defensive end
- Jon Caroll led Drake with 21 points and 11 rebounds
- Dre Kindell added 17 points
- Owen Larson and Andrew Alia finished with 11 points
- Drake finished with 30 points in the paint, 14 second chance points, 11 points off 21 Jaguars turnovers, eight fast break points and eight bench points
UP NEXT
Southern will travel to Iowa State for a Tuesday night matchup at 7:00 pm on ESPN+.
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
