- Jaguars secure first conference title since 2019 season
- Ormiston dominates with 28-point double-double performance
- South Alabama forces 18 turnovers in defensive showcase
The South Alabama Jaguars cemented their place in Sun Belt history Friday night, holding Louisiana to 29% field goal shooting in a championship-clinching 65-42 rout. Elijah Ormiston's career-high 28 points and 10 rebounds powered the Jaguars to their third conference title in program history, completing a remarkable turnaround from last season's seventh-place finish.
Head coach Richie Riley's defensive scheme proved devastating, with the team recording 13 steals and converting 22 points off turnovers. Barry Dunning Jr. contributed significantly on both ends, making 54% of his field goal attempts while grabbing six rebounds. The Jaguars' 21-10 overall record marks their first 20-win season since their 2008 NIT appearance.
Mobile's Mitchell Center erupted as the final buzzer sounded, with students storming the court to celebrate the shared championship. This four-way tie between South Alabama, Arkansas State, Troy, and James Madison represents the Sun Belt's first multi-champion outcome since 2015. Conference officials confirmed all four teams will receive No. 1 seed privileges in next week's tournament.
Regional sports analysts highlight the economic impact for Mobile, with hotel bookings up 38% for the conference tournament. The Jaguars' success comes amid increased athletic department investment, including last year's $72 million facility upgrades. Local businesses report a 15% sales increase in team merchandise since February's winning streak began.
Louisiana's struggling offense managed just nine points in the final 12 minutes, with leading scorer Kentrell Garnett limited to nine points. The Ragin' Cajuns finish their season with the conference's worst three-point percentage (31.2%), a key factor in Friday's defeat. South Alabama now prepares for a potential NCAA Tournament bid, needing two wins in Pensacola to secure automatic qualification.