By Zach Smith. BOONE, N.C. — If Thursday’s performance wasn’t “App State’s brand of basketball,” then Saturday’s (Jan. 6) showing certainly was. The Mountaineers’ women’s basketball team dominated South Alabama, 96-49.
Faith Alston led the way again for App State as she scored 30 points for the second time this season. J’Mani Ingram (12) and Alexis Black (11) also reached double-digit points, while Samantha LaFon and Ingram grabbed seven rebounds each. Zada Porter was the key distributor for the Mountaineers, dishing out a game-high five assists.
South Alabama sophomore guards Michiyah Simmons (11) and Kelsey Thompson (10) led the Jaguar scoring effort, while redshirt senior center Zena Elias grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds.
The first quarter proved to be the closest the game would ever get as App State went into the first media break with a five-point lead. Later in the period, both teams went on scoring droughts, with the Mountaineers’ misfortune coming to an end with a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Alston. App State took a 27-18 lead into the next frame.
App State made a statement in the second period. Following Alston’s three-pointer at the first quarter buzzer, the senior guard scored eight more points in a 2:47 time frame to set the tone for the Mountaineers. South Alabama was only able to score four second-quarter points compared to App State’s 23, and the Mountaineers extended their advantage to a 50-22 lead at intermission.
This is the standard, regardless of what type of team it is…
With the game falling apart for the Jaguars early, they looked to make up some ground in the third quarter. That effort proved unsuccessful, though, as South Alabama’s lone streak of seven consecutive points was immediately matched by an App State 7-0 streak, scored entirely by Alston. The Mountaineer lead was pushed to 35 entering the fourth and final quarter.
With the game out of reach for South Alabama, App State used the final period to give their reserves playing time. Even with a less experienced group on the floor for the Mountaineers, they still outscored the Jaguars. App State freshman MaKenzie Drout scored six points in the final ten minutes. The Mountaineers ended the game with a 47-point margin, their largest of the day.
App State head coach Angel Elderkin gave her thoughts on the win over South Alabama following a difficult loss last time out, at home vs. Texas State two days earlier.
“Just really proud of the way that our team responded,” Elderkin said. After Thursday’s game we knew that, in the Sun Belt, it’s a very quick turnaround.”
Alston shared how important it was for the players to get back into the win column.
“The importance coming into today was really to come back like a bounce-back type of game,” Alston said. “Like, come back, be us, wash that loss behind us.”
At the end of the day… there’s a bus driver and it is faith alston.
Alston also explained what the expectation is for the team going forward.
“This is the standard, regardless of what type of team it is, who we’re playing, the name of the team, the name of the conference,” Alston said. “Whoever it is, we step on the floor, we treat it like a playoff game, like we’re only playing one game and that’s it.”
Alston finished Saturday’s game with 30 points, the second most she’s scored in a game behind her 31-point performance against Mercer earlier this season. Elderkin had high praise for the senior guard.
“At the end of the day, when you watch App State basketball, there’s a bus driver and it’s Faith Alston,” Elderkin said. “We go as she goes. She plays with so much passion and so much energy and our team just thrives. Everybody talks about her points and, yes, she had a 30-point game and it’s exceptional. But her leadership in the huddles, her leadership on the floor, that’s what was truly exceptional and that’s what got us this big victory today.”
Because of App State’s dominating lead, many younger or less experienced players received playing time. Thirteen Mountaineers saw action, the most in any game this season.
Graduate guard Mariah Frazier spoke on what it meant to see her teammates in action.
“It was really joyful to see them actually go out there,” Frazier said. “They work really hard in practice, they make sure that we’re prepared for the game, so, them getting that reward today, being able to play was just really great. Shout out to everybody that got in, it was a great team win, for sure.”
As a team, App State shot 51% from the field while holding South Alabama to a 28% clip. The Mountaineers forced 18 Jaguar turnovers, and out-rebounded South Alabama, 51-39. App State’s 96 points is the most they’ve scored in a game in the 2023-24 season, while South Alabama’s 49 points is the fewest the Mountaineers have allowed on the campaign.
With the loss, South Alabama extends its losing skid to five consecutive games. The Jaguars fall to 7-8 overall, and remain winless in Sun Belt play, at 0-3. South Alabama will look to put an end to their winning drought Thursday (Jan. 11), as they travel to take on ULM. Tip-off is slated for 6:00p.m. and can be streamed on ESPN+.
App State’s victory gives the Mountaineers their third in the last four games. The Mountaineers improve to 8-6 overall, with a 2-1 Sun Belt record. App State will travel to Statesboro for a rivalry match with Georgia Southern next. Thursday’s (Jan. 11) matchup will tip-off at 6:00p.m. and can also be streamed on ESPN+.
