Eagles rally past USA 66-59

MOBILE, Ala. - Neil Watson and Aaron Brown combined for 34 points - 17 apiece - to lead undefeated Southern Mississippi past South Alabama 66-59 on Friday night.

South Alabama (2-2) had been up by seven late in the game until Brown hit a layup and a three-point play to cut the gap to 53-51 with 6:28 left. The lead went back-and-forth until Watson hit a pair of 3-pointers, the last one converted into a four-point play, putting Southern Mississippi (4-0) up for keeps.

Augustine Rubit led South Alabama with 17. Antoine Allen scored 14, hitting four 3-pointers. Allen's last 3 had pulled the Jaguars within 58-57 with 3:21 remaining. The Jaguars were hampered by 15 turnovers and were cold at the free throw line, making 16 of 25.

Jerrold Brooks added 13 points for the Golden Eagles, hitting three 3s. Michael Craig scored 10 points with eight boards.