H. AUSTILL PHARR GYMNASIUM | MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile Women's Basketball team continued to impress in the first game played of the year 2024 on Thursday evening, Jan. 4, with Mobile earning a 29-point conference victory over Middle Georgia State University at home. Thursday's 83-54 win is Mobile's sixth-straight victory, while keeping the Rams perfect at 7-0 on their home floor throughout the season. Additionally, the win surpasses last season's win total of 13 victories, improving the overall record to 14-2 under first-year head coach Sydney Westry.
Game Recap
Mobile never trailed in Thursday's meeting with the Knights, opening the game with a 10-3 run through the first four minutes of the first quarter. The Rams eventually finished the first quarter outscoring Middle Ga. State 24-14, making 12 of 18 shots from the floor. Alanna Donaldson ended the first with eight points to lead all players through the first 10 minutes. In the second quarter, offense continued to roll on Mobile's side, with the defense picking up right before halftime.
Mobile added 22 points in the second quarter, shooting a perfect 6-for-6 at the free throw line after not attempting a free throw in the first. Additionally, the Rams' defense held the Knights to just eight points in the second quarter to go into halftime with a 24-point lead. Mobile went to the break leading, 46-22.
Coming out of halftime, Mobile's offense slipped some as the Rams were only able to score 11 points across the third quarter. Meanwhile, Middle Ga. State scored 15 points in the third to cut Mobile's lead to 20 points entering the final quarter of the ballgame. In the fourth, Mobile's offense sparked once more, recording the best offensive quarter of the game with 26 points. The Knights scored 17 points in the final quarter, but were unable to keep the Rams' offense in check. Mobile went on the win by 29 points.
Inside the Box Score
A season-high five Rams finished with double-digit point totals in Thursday's victory, led by reigning three-time SSAC Women's Basketball Player of the Week Erica Jones with 16 points. Jones added seven rebounds and three assists, while Miriam Oldarcre finished with 13 points and a team-high nine rebounds to put her one shy of a double-double. Braylee McMath notched 14 points in the win, adding four boards, and Alanna Donaldson and Miya Kimber each scored 10 points, while leading the Rams with four assists a piece. Overall, 10 Rams hit the court in Thursday's game, with nine scoring at least four points.
As a team, Mobile finished with a 49% shooting mark, ending the game 9-for-10 from the free throw line. The Mobile defense forced 16 Middle Ga. State turnovers, scoring 18 points off giveaways, and held the Knights to just a 32% shooting line. The Rams out-rebounded Middle Ga. State, 45-33.
SSAC Women's Basketball Game of the Week Up Next
The Rams have a quick turnaround as Mobile is scheduled to host Brewton-Parker College (Ga.) on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 6 in Pharr Gymnasium. Saturday's game was tabbed as the conference women's basketball game of the week as both teams sit near the top of the current SSAC Women's Basketball standings. Start time is set for 12:00 p.m. CT.
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About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
