Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Feb. 20, 2025 – Izaiyah Nelson recorded his second straight double-double, but the Arkansas State men’s basketball team ultimately dropped a 60-56 outcome to South Alabama Wednesday night inside First National Bank Arena.
Nelson led the Red Wolves (19-9, 10-5 SBC) with 16 points and 23 boards – the most by an A-State player since Norchad Omier’s 26 rebounds against ULM on Feb. 3, 2022, and tied for sixth most in a single game in program history. Joseph Pinion led all players in scoring with 17 points on five made 3-pointers.
A-State shot 36.4 percent (20-55) for the night and outrebounded the Jaguars (19-9, 11-4) 46-32. USA shot at a 40-percent clip (22-55) and forced 19 turnovers – 13 via steal.
The Red Wolves jumped on the Jaguars early, making four of their first five shots to take an early 9-1 lead. USA then pulled within one on a dunk by Jayden Cooper before using an 11-0 run to take a 21-13 lead. The Red Wolves clawed back to within a basket, but South Alabama went on to lead 25-21 at the half.
After intermission, A-State used an 8-0 run to retake a 29-25 lead within the first two minutes. A trey by Terrance Ford Jr. put the Scarlet and Black ahead by six at the 15:20 mark, but USA scratched back to move ahead by two on a layup by Cantia Rahming. The Jaguars’ lead grew to as much as six in the final five minutes on scores by Barry Dunning Jr. and Judah Brown, who led USA with 14 and 10 points each.
NEXT UP:
Arkansas State concludes its home slate Saturday, hosting ULM. Tip-off against the Warhawks is set for 2 p.m. inside First National Bank Arena, with ESPN+ carrying the action. Fans are encouraged to remain in the stands after the game for Senior Day recognition.