Arkansas State edges Southern Miss 89-84 in Sun Belt men’s basketball game

Jonesboro, Ark. — Arkansas State held off Southern Miss 89-84 Tuesday night in a Sun Belt men’s basketball game. The Red Wolves took advantage of 25 more free throws than the Golden Eagles, scoring 61 points off free throws and second-chance opportunities, according to game officials.

Tylik Weeks led Southern Miss with 21 points, marking his fourth consecutive game with at least 20 points. Isaac Taveras scored 20 points, and Djahi Binet added 16 before fouling out. Both players, along with Dylan Brumfield and Izzy Hart, committed fouls and exited the game.

Arkansas State jumped out early, answering Southern Miss’s quick start with a 10-2 run. The Golden Eagles responded with a surge, but Arkansas State maintained its lead through the first half, ending with a 53-44 advantage at halftime. Arkansas State made 24 of 27 free throws in the first 20 minutes, while Southern Miss converted seven of 10 attempts.

In the second half, Southern Miss cut into the deficit with a quick burst, but Arkansas State pushed its lead back to six. The Golden Eagles managed to tie the game twice, the last at 71-71 with 7:38 remaining. Binet gave Southern Miss its first lead since early in the game, but the Red Wolves responded with a late run, sealing the victory.

Arkansas State ended the game on an 11-1 run over the final 2 1/2 minutes, during which Southern Miss went scoreless for the last 3 minutes and 7 seconds. The Golden Eagles finished shooting 50.7% from the floor but struggled down the stretch.

Southern Miss concludes the regular season Friday at South Alabama, with game time set for 7:30 p.m. in Mobile, Alabama, broadcast on ESPN+.

Source: Original Article