The Lady Eagles got back in the winning column Friday night with a victory over visiting Alcorn State 69-53 at Reed Green Coliseum Friday night. Once again, Southern Miss was led by Pauline Love. Love recorded a double-double scoring 18 points and snagging 16 rebounds. The Lady Eagles (4-4) return to action on December 12 at Charlotte.
Larry Eustachy's team suffered a heart breaking loss to Ole Miss Saturday afternoon in Oxford. With the game tied at 79 with 40 seconds remaining, the Golden Eagles tried to hold the ball for the last shot, but the Rebels gained control with five seconds remaining and scored the game winning basket (a dunk) with one second on the clock. The Golden Eagles were led by Gary Flowers, who scored 20 points and grabbed eight boards. A tough loss is not the way Eustachy wanted to go into finals week. It will be interesting to see the team's mental toughness as they rebound from the game in Oxford. USM (5-1) returns to action on December 12 at South Alabama.
With Houston accepting a bid to the Armed Forces Bowl, it looks like Southern Miss will be returning to the New Orleans Bowl. Sun Belt Champion Troy was originally thought to be headed to the Bowl, but there has been speculation that New Orleans Bowl officials would like avoid a rematch of last year's game between the Golden Eagles and Trojans (a Southern Miss win). If Troy does not get the offer, Middle Tennessee State will represent the Sun Belt Conference. An official announcement is expected later this evening.