For the first time since 2011, the Southern Miss men’s basketball team has defeated a nationally ranked opponent.
On Saturday, coming off an inconsistent stretch of play to begin the season, the Golden Eagles (8-7) welcomed No. 19 James Madison (14-1) to Reed Green Coliseum. In a much-needed win, Southern Miss took down one of the last remaining undefeated teams in the nation by a score of 81-71.
How it happened
The first five minutes were back and forth until the first TV timeout with the score tied at six. Over the next five minutes, Southern Miss went on a 12-4 run led by preseason Sun Belt player of the Year Austin Crowley to take an 18-10 lead, one they would never relinquish.
Crowley’s second foul of the game forced head coach Jay Ladner to make some changes as he brought in backup guard Cobie Montgomery, who picked up right where Crowley left off. Montgomery finished the period with seven points as Crowley had 11 to make for a 44-35 halftime lead.
In the second half, forward Victor Hart and Illinois transfer Andre Curbelo took over as the two finished the game with a combined 31 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals. The Golden Eagles were hot from the floor all day, shooting 49.1% while holding the Dukes to 39.4%.
The numbers
Outside of Hart and Curbelo’s stellar performances, Crowley finished with 15 points and eight rebounds. The West Point native was honored minutes before the game for reaching the 1,000-point milestone earlier in the week.
Montgomery had 12 points, including two huge three-point buckets, while Victor Iwuakor had nine points, three rebounds, and three blocks.
Leading James Madison was T.J. Bickerstaff (14 points, 16 rebounds) and Terrence Edwards, Jr. (15 points, three assists). The Dukes, who came into the game as the Sun Belt’s top-scoring offense and second in three-point shooting, were held to 20 points less than they had averaged going into the game and a poor 12% from beyond the arc.
What the coach said
It’s the second time in a row Southern Miss has taken down James Madison after winning 83-70 almost a year ago to the day. After Saturday’s game, Ladner told reporters that it’s all about preparation when playing such a good program.
“I thought our preparation and approach to the game was good. We played with great effort and the crowd was great,” Ladner said. “Scouting is so important at this level. People’s livelihoods and the future of your careers in playing coaching are on the line. Scouting is so important and intense that you have to stay ahead to make a difference at this level.
Next up
Southern Miss will begin a two-game road stretch beginning at Louisiana-Monroe on Thursday, Jan. 11. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
