Southern Miss is entering a critical phase of the season as they strive to maintain momentum following a significant victory over one of the top teams in the Sun Belt Conference. The Golden Eagles, with a record of 14 wins and 14 losses and 7 wins against 8 losses in conference play, are looking to capitalize on their latest performance as they gear up for the final stretch of the regular season.
Head coach Jay Ladner expressed pride in his team”s resilience after they defeated Troy 69-65 at Reed Green Coliseum, a game that showcased the squad”s potential. “Good quality win for our ball club. Proud of our grit and toughness,” Ladner remarked in an interview. The game featured an outstanding performance by star guard Tylik Weeks, who scored 32 points while shooting 11 of 20 from the field and an impressive 10 of 11 from the free-throw line, with the majority of his scoring coming in the second half.
Another key contributor was Djahi Binet, who delivered a double-double with 14 points and 18 rebounds in 31 minutes of play. This victory marks a pivotal moment for the Golden Eagles, setting the stage for their upcoming games as they aim for a strong finish to the season.
Throughout the season, the Golden Eagles have demonstrated flashes of their talent, often outpacing what their record suggests. However, consistency remains a challenge. Ladner acknowledged that while their defense showed promise, communication lapses led to scoring opportunities for Troy. “Still feel we can play better,” he continued, emphasizing the need to refine their game as they approach the Sun Belt tournament.
With three games left in the regular season, Southern Miss faces Old Dominion at home on February 21 for Senior Day, followed by matches against Arkansas State and South Alabama. Currently positioned ninth in the Sun Belt standings, the Golden Eagles have the potential to climb the ranks, depending on their performance and the outcomes of other teams. The team”s only focus now is on controlling their fate and aiming for a record that could improve their seeding in the upcoming tournament.
As the season progresses, Southern Miss seeks to harness the momentum from their recent win while striving for greater consistency. “Nothing but big ones left,” Ladner stated, highlighting the importance of each remaining game as they look to make a significant impact in March.
