Southern Cruises Past Mississippi Valley State 80-69

Southern dominated Mississippi Valley State 80-69 at the F.G. Clark Activity Center, with Michael Jacobs leading the charge. The Jaguars' point guard tallied 22 points and 7 assists, orchestrating his team's offense with precision. Mississippi Valley State's Michael James put up a valiant effort, scoring 23 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Southern.

The first half set the tone for the game, with Southern taking a 41-32 lead into the break. The Jaguars' Terrance Dixon Jr. and DaMariee Jones provided complementary scoring, with 18 and 13 points, respectively, while Jones also hauled in 14 rebounds. Southern's advantage could have been greater, but Mississippi Valley State's Daniel Mayfield and Xzayvion Childress kept their team within striking distance, combining for 34 points.

In the second half, Southern maintained its cushion, outscoring Mississippi Valley State 39-37. The Jaguars' defense held the Delta Devils to 37% shooting from the field, limiting their opportunities to mount a comeback. James continued to score for Mississippi Valley State, but his teammates struggled to find their rhythm, resulting in the 11-point deficit.

CHD Scout predicted a 14.6-point victory for Southern, and while the actual margin was slightly smaller, the outcome was never in doubt. The Jaguars' performance was a reflection of their superior talent and depth, as they improved to 8-12 on the season.

For Southern, this win is a Quad 4 victory, which may not significantly boost their tournament resume but does provide a much-needed confidence boost. The Jaguars want to build on this performance as they navigate the remainder of their schedule. Mississippi Valley State, on the other hand, fell to 1-20 and remains at the bottom of the rankings, with this loss classified as a Quad 4 defeat.

The implications of this result are clear: Southern is a step closer to reaching respectability, while Mississippi Valley State is still searching for answers. As the season enters its final stretch, the Jaguars will aim to capitalize on their momentum and make a push for a more favorable tournament position. With Michael Jacobs at the helm, they have the talent and leadership to make a late-season surge. For now, Southern can savor a convincing win over a struggling opponent, and the Jaguars' tournament chances, while still a long shot, remain intact.