The Student Printz: February 3, 2021

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MEET THE STAFF Executive Editor

Brian Winters brian.s.winters@usm.edu

News & Features Editor Mary Murphy mary.s.murphy@usm.edu

Sports Editor

Charlie Luttrell charles.luttrell@usm.edu

Multimedia Editor

Earl Stoudemire earl.stoudemire@usm.edu

Design Editor

Marissa Haas marissa.haas@usm.edu

The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not represent those of the faculty, staff or administration of The University of Southern Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligible for publication, all submission must include name, class distinction, major, phone number and email address. Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@ gmail.com by 5 p.m. on the Friday before publication. Please limit them to 500 words or less. The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space or journalistic ethics.

Opinions expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publication manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.

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NEWS

FEBRUARY 3, 2021

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Ryan Retires from USM after 37 Years of Service as Professor, Administrator DAVID TISDALE COURTESY OF USM olleagues and former students are praising Dr. Maureen Ryan for her intelligence, wit and dedication upon her retirement from The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) after a nearly four-decade career as a faculty member and administrator.

Dr. Ryan is a Distinguished Professor of English who also led various colleges and units since first coming to USM in August of 1983 as director of its then Department of English’s Writing Center. She went on to serve as dean of the Honors College, associate provost for Institutional Effectiveness; interim dean of the Graduate School; and dean of the former College of Arts and Letters, after taking on that role in an interim capacity. Recently, as special assistant to the Provost, Dr. Ryan was tasked with helping the university meet objectives related to its Plan for Academic Reorganization, Vision 2020.

She expressed gratitude for the opportunities to teach, conduct research and serve as a leader as she witnessed the University transition into a prominent national research institution over the last 30-plus years.

“Though I didn’t plan things this way, I was able to concentrate, at different periods, on all three aspects of faculty activity,” Dr. Ryan said. “I feel fortunate to have had opportunities to shift my focus among these activities.”

An expert in modern and contemporary American literature, Dr. Ryan’s publications include The Other Side of Grief: The Home Front and the Aftermath in American Narratives of the Vietnam War, and Innocence and Estrangement

in the Fiction of Jean Stafford. She was chosen for one of USM’s highest awards as its sixth Charles W. Moorman Distinguished Professor of the Humanities, as well as for the special honor of serving as grand marshal for USM’s fall 2018 commencement ceremonies.

“Dr. Ryan has not only shared her vast knowledge and expertise with her students over her long career at USM, but her heart, soul, and sincerity,” said USM Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Steven Moser. “Likewise, she generously shared her wisdom and steadfast friendship with her colleagues.

“I feel blessed to know and have worked with an individual of her quality and character.”

In graduate school, Dr. Ryan studied American literature, and read the work of Southern writers; when applying for entry faculty positions all over the country, she knew Mississippi only from the work of William Faulkner and Richard Wright.

“I’d never heard of Hattiesburg or of the University of Southern Mississippi,” Dr. Ryan said.

“I initially declined the job offer from USM -- until I interviewed at Auburn University and decided Hattiesburg wouldn’t be so bad, and never expected to stay. And yet, I am now reluctant to say goodbye to USM. “I’ve worked with wonderful colleagues—faculty, administrators, staff—and taught eager students. It has been a satisfying career.”

USM President Emeritus Dr. Aubrey Lucas described Dr. Ryan as “a delightful colleague” who, with her keen sense of humor, “kept us from getting too serious about issues.”

“She was a very able administrator and superb teacher, and I have always enjoyed her friendship,” Dr. Lucas said.

USM Honors College Dean Dr. Ellen Weinauer

Photo courtesy of Southern Miss said her friend and fellow English program faculty member Dr. Ryan “taught me a great deal about how to be both a dedicated scholar and a committed teacher, how to have true impact on students, and how to be a caring administrator.”

“Maureen served as the dean of the Honors College for 12 years; when I stepped into that role in 2014, I was mindful of her long and impressive shadow,” Dr. Weinauer said. “If I achieve a tenth of what she has in the lives of our students and our campus, I will feel accomplished indeed. Her legacy at Southern Miss is truly extraordinary, and we are all in her debt.”

Claire Gerald Brantley, one of Dr. Ryan’s former students who has maintained a close relationship with her mentor and friend since graduation, said she has “meant more to me than any other teacher I’ve ever had.”

“My mom taught me to read, but Maureen taught me to critically read,” said Brantley, an executive marketing manager for Partner in Publishing.

“My elementary teachers taught me to write, but Maureen taught me to write well. I owe her so much. It’s no exaggeration to say I would not have the career I have, I would not have the life I have, without her constant support, encouragement, wise counsel, and big heart.

“I’m so excited for her to start this next chapter of her life, but what on earth will USM do without her?”

Asked what’s next for her after leaving USM, Dr. Ryan says she’s “open to suggestions.”

“Frankly, I didn’t want to retire, but it was time,” she said. “And though I wish I could report a fabulous, fascinating retirement plan, I can’t. Post-pandemic, I’ll probably move back to the east coast— near family and old friends—but I like Hattiesburg.

You might see me around here for a long time.”

Brantley established a scholarship in honor of Dr. Ryan in 2008. To support this scholarship, contact the USM Foundation at foundation@usm. edu or call 601.266.5210.

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FEBRUARY 3, 2021

USM Student Choristers Are Music to Ears of Hattiesburg Church’s Congregation During Pandemic DAVID TISDALE COURTESY OF USM longtime tradition of beautiful, sacred music continues filling Hattiesburg’s historic Trinity Episcopal Church each Sunday with the help of a group of devoted University of Southern Mississippi (USM) students.

As the COVID-19 pandemic began posing a health crisis almost a year ago, many senior adults in church choirs across the country suspended their participation—such was the case with Trinity Episcopal’s choir. So, to keep lifting songs of praise each Sunday, the church turned to the voices of four of its student members, including Danielle Watson, Matthew Aiken, O’Neil Jones and Hanif Lawrence.

The choristers have earned the praise of the church’s congregation, staff and interim rector Dr. Susan Hrostowski, who is also a professor of social work at USM. Though they serve as part of what is similar to a paid internship with the choir, they’ve become more than just interns, Dr. Hrostowski said.

“They earn a stipend and gain valuable experience through their participation, so that’s a win-win, but now they’re playing such an important role for us as we meet the challenges of the pandemic,” she said.

Like many churches, Trinity Episcopal has employed online delivery of its services to curb the spread of the virus, as well as with limited in-person attendance rules.

Having the students continue providing music in their roles with the choir is a comfort for those unable to attend in person.

“When some members of our congregation can’t be in church and are watching online, the feeling you have of being there in person, the holiness that the physical church environment exudes, is lost,” Dr. Hrostowski said. “But because their (student choristers) voices are so beautiful, it helps with the fact that we’re working within the restrictions of the current situation.

“And they are more like family now than student interns. Our congregation has been so welcoming of them.”

Jane Butler, organist and music director for Trinity Episcopal, said “musically, they are incredible.”

“We do pretty difficult music, plus it’s been hard having to wear masks,” Butler continued. “But they are so talented – their sound, their blend, is excellent.”

Kristin McNair, administrator for Trinity Episcopal, concurred. “Our members have always highly valued beautiful music here at Trinity Episcopal, and these students have really delivered that for us during the pandemic,” she said.

“And I love good harmony, and they’ve definitely got that,” Dr. Hrostowski added. *A native of St. Catherine, Jamaica, Watson is pursuing a doctor of musical arts degree in voice performance at USM. She says singing at Trinity has contributed immensely to her musicianship and ability to please audiences with her voice.

Watson was recommended by a former voice teacher, Dr. Byron Johnson, who was a past choral scholar at Trinity Episcopal and at USM. Watson said Dr. Johnson emailed Butler about taking her in as a student singer. In the choir, her role is complementing the soprano line, and sometimes as featured cantor or soloist.

“I see this experience at Trinity as another form of music training and practice, specifically in areas such as developing aural skills in sight-singing and mastering the skill of singing another genre of music,” Watson said. “It has also helped to maintain a connection to my spirituality in Christ.

“It’s also a privilege to serve the community with good music and to lift spirits, especially during these challenging times. I hope amongst those watching or hearing us, near or far, that at least one heart is filled with joy and blessings.” *Aiken, a graduate student from Jackson, Miss. is enrolled in USM’s biological science’s master’s program for ichthyology. He first became connected to Trinity as a member of the USM Canterbury Club, whose members attend services and participate in activities at the church.

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Later, he was encouraged to join its choir.

“When I built up the courage, I started going to rehearsals, and was received very warmly,” Aiken said. “I’m usually a tenor, but since there are only four of us at the moment, I’ve taken on the role of alto.”

As shutdowns across the country ensued at the outset of the pandemic, Aiken knew the choir would be affected.

“Serving the congregation now feels more important and rewarding than ever,” he said. “There is a lot of fear, stress, and general negative emotion and energy in everyone’s minds and hearts during this terrible pandemic.

I hope our members get moments of meditation, calm, and joy from the music we sing to them.

“There will be a day when we are all singing together again, and I can’t wait to reunite with the rest of the choir family.” *Jones is a Master of Music student in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Montego Bay, Jamaica. Like Watson, he connected with Butler and Trinity on the recommendation of his former professor, Dr. Johnson.

As music is a major part of the worship experience, Jones said, “It means a great deal to be able to enhance the services through the giving of ourselves through our God-given talents” as he and his fellow students maintain the choir’s integral role in that experience.

“The safety and health of our Trinity choir and church family are paramount, and so we’re honored to do all we can to continue making music here,” Jones continued. “It means a great deal to still be singing to the glory of He who has preserved us through this most difficult time in the world, and it is my hope that the congregation continues to feel closer to Him and is surrounded by a sense of full worship, as we engage each other virtually.”

Jones said the Trinity community “has become our family in so many ways.”

“We are very blessed to know and worship with these amazing people who, through their time, love and generosity, have welcomed us so warmly. “ *Lawrence is from Kingston, Jamaica and pursuing a Master of Music in Choral Conducting. He joined the choir when isolation orders were in full effect, so his experience has been exclusively with the quartet.

The USM choral program allows Lawrence to practice many necessary skills, including sight-singing and good vocal technique, “but since our [choir] repertoire is drawn from across the breadth of the western church music library, that exposes me to standard and unfamiliar works from many composers,” he said. “As a conductor, this will benefit me in my professional life.”

He’s hopeful that his and the quartet’s service to the church during the pandemic leaves a legacy that includes

Photo courtesy of USM “a consistently high standard of worship music that kept the congregation engaged and spiritually connected.”

And whether congregants attend services from the church pews or from home online, Lawrence believes his role in the choir has the same impact. “I hope everyone who worships with us feels the music helps create a mood of reverence within which they can truly worship,” he said.

Trinity Episcopal congregant Stacey Calloway Ready said the quartet is “amazing and very talented.”

“We’re thrilled to have them devote their time and talent, especially in such an unusual time and trying situation,” Ready said. “What they’re doing adds so much to our service each Sunday. Their voices are incredibly uplifting.”

Butler said there are no “prima donnas” among the student choristers.

“I just love this group, and they love each other.

They’re all such good friends,” Butler said. “There’s no competition between them. And as Rev. Hrostowski said, they are like our children -- it’s a real family.

Shin Publishes New Book on Public Relations DAVID TISDALE COURTESY OF USM

themes for public relations and mass communication in a larger nexus, and addresses diverse, global, elecr. Jae-Hwa Shin, a professor in The tronic and technologically evolving media environments through theoUniversity of Southern retical lenses.

Mississippi (USM) School Featured sections of the book of Communication, has include the following: co-authored a new book, An examination of excellence thePublic Relations Theory: Capabilities and Competencies, the first au- ory, contingency theory, rhetorical thored public relations theory book theory, and critical theory as these perspectives apply to public relations in the field.

Issues management, crisis manageAlong with co-author Robert ment, risk management and conflict Heath, Dr. Shin offers in this new management with respect to public book a comprehensive overview of relations the major theoretical perspectives Combining theory and practice in public relations, considering for conceptualization and strategic the evolution, diversification and execution of robust public relations merger of approaches spurred by programs and campaigns rapid changes in society, cultural The importance of public relaboundaries, technology, and metions ethics to serve the public good dia environments. It features both How to define “the public” or organizational and social theories “relationships” in the field of public of public relations, including casrelations es and challenges to help students Public Relations Theory: Capabilbring theory and research to bear on solving daily challenges in public ities and Competencies book coverPublic Relations Theory: Capabilrelations practice. ities and Competencies closes with And, rather than advocate for a a discussion of emerging topics and particular theoretical view or posithe recent transformation of public tion, Dr. Shin says Public Relations relations theory to take diversity, Theory: Capabilities and Competechnology, and global identity into tencies instead explores the wide range of theoretical frameworks and account, and offers insight into fu-

Courtesy of USM

ture directions.

“This book is perfect for upper level undergraduate and graduate students of public relations in journalism and communication,” Dr. Shin said. “It will also be useful for public relations practitioners who hope to improve their understanding of the theoretical background and principles of their work, and serve as an excellent reference for doctoral students and researchers in the

area.”

A member of the USM faculty since 2003, Dr. Shin earned her doctorate from the University of Missouri, Columbia. She previously served as communications director at the Korea Economic Research Institute and the Center for Free Enterprise, affiliated with the Federation of Korean Industries, which was founded in 1961 by multinational corporate members such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and other industry leaders in Seoul, South Korea.

Dr. Shin’s research focuses on public relations from a strategic conflict management perspective across cultural settings in social media environments. Her previous publications include numerous journal articles and book chapters, and she has co-authored other books, including two widely used textbooks, Public Relations Today: Managing Conflict and Competition and Think: Public Relations.

She is a member of the editorial board of Journal of Public Relations Research.

The USM School of Communication is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences. Learn more about the School at https://www.usm.edu/ communication/index.php.

FEBRUARY 3, 2021 WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM Pixar’s ‘Soul’ explores the true meaning of life ENTERTAINMENT

Courtesy photo from Disney

SKYLA LANGLEY PRINTZ REPORTER isney and Pixar’s latest film, ‘Soul’, kindled thought-provoking reflections on the meaning of life and death by exploring what makes people passionate and successful.

‘Soul’, released on Dec. 25 2020, tells the story of a middle school music teacher, Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx). Feeling unsatisfied with his life, he successfully auditions to become the new piano player for famous jazz musician Dorothea Williams (Angela Bassett). However, fate has other plans, and he dies after accidentally falling into a sewer.

Determined to actually experience his big break, Joe manages to cheat the universe and falls into The Great Before instead of The Great Beyond. The Great Before is where new souls are formed and develop personalities before being born. There, Joe is mistaken

for a “soul coach” and is assigned to help a young soul, 22 (Tina Fey), find their purpose on Earth.

In the process of helping 22 find their purpose, Joe rediscovers his purpose in life. While roaming New York streets with 22, taking in the smallest things life has to offer, Joe finds that the real meaning of life is taking advantage of the mundane. A person does not have to be successful in one big project in order to have lived a successful life. Even a mild-mannered music teacher can have an important purpose in day-to-day life.

“Joe is unfairly judging his own life as not valuable, as not good, and when seen through 22’s eyes, it’s actually kind of amazing,” co-director Kent Powers said in an interview with Slash Film.

Directed by Pete Docter and Kemp Powers, ‘Soul’ is the first Pixar film to feature an African-American protagonist. It is also the first Pixar film to feature a Black co-director, who strived to be mindful while developing ‘Soul’.

“Some people might relish the idea of saying they speak for Black people, Black Americans, whatever: I am not one of those people,” Powers said in an interview with The New York Times.

“I’m absolutely a Black man, and I know my history; at the same time, I can’t speak for all the Black men who are from New York; I can’t speak for my generation.”

Powers took extra care while working on ‘Soul’, reportedly working with artists and technicians to replicate the unique textures and tones of Black hair and skin. This was also the case for the overall story and production of the film, which celebrated and centered around jazz music.

“Jazz, far from being incidental to ‘Soul’, is integral to its argument about how beauty is created, sustained and appreciated — and to its grounding of a specifically Black experience in New York,” said A.O. Scott from The New York Times.

Pete Docter, who also directed Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’, began devel-

oping ‘Soul’ in 2016 after his son was born. He started wondering how his son was born with a personality, which later turned into a much larger reflection on the meaning of life itself. How and why do any of us have personalities, and why is that important? “‘Soul’ is an exploration of, where should your focus be?,” Docter said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “What are the things that, at the end of the day, are really going to be the important things that you look back on and go, ‘I spent a worthy amount of my limited time on Earth worrying or focused on that’?”

The complex themes portrayed in the movie are targeted to an adult audience, but children can enjoy the colorful animation and light-hearted moments throughout the film. In successfully meditating on the meaning of life and staying positive, ‘Soul’ is a truly one-of-a-kind film that reminds everyone what really matters in life.

FEBRUARY 3, 2021 WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM Super Bowl LV Prediction: Mahomes and Chiefs will outgun Brady’s Bucs

ENTERTAINMENT

Illustration by Marissa Haas | Printz

CHARLIE LUTTRELL SPORTS EDITOR fter a historic season played during COVID-19, Super Bowl LV will pin the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Though this game will be Buccaneer quarterback Tom Brady’s tenth championship, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will ultimately be crowned the winner.

Quarterbacks aren’t the whole football team, but this is the most quarterback-centric Super Bowl in years. You can’t ignore the importance of Mahomes, the face of this new era of the league, going against Brady, the most prolific passer in league history.

When Mahomes signed his historic Chiefs contract during the off-season, Head Coach Andy Reid seemed committed to building a dynasty and, so far, has been succeeding. This season, Mahomes threw for an MVP-worthy 4,740 yards, 38 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Mahomes has not done every-

thing by himself. His receiving corps should receive just as much credit for their stellar performance over this season. Tight-end Travis Kelce finished the season second in the league in receiving yards.

Tyreek Hill also had a top-tier season with 1,276 yards and 15 touchdowns. Hill obliterated the Bucs during the regular season when he caught 13 catches for 269 yards and three touchdowns.

The Chiefs (14-2) have the best record in the league and have a chance to become the first backto-back champions since Brady’s Patriots in 2004-2005.

Besides the implications this matchup poses about the future of the league, the quarterbacks will also be key in deciding this game offensively. The Chiefs have the best ranked passing offense in the NFL, while the Buccaneers are right behind as the second-ranked passing offense..

While the Buccaneers are listed as the underdogs, the Chiefs know their opponent’s worth. Tampa Bay has been one of the most unstoppable teams in the past weeks, and Brady is the last player in NFL history you ever want to play in the playoffs. The Bucs have scored over

30 points in six consecutive games, averaging around 36 points per game. During that stretch, Brady has thrown 17 touchdowns and five interceptions.

In order to win, The Chiefs must play physical defense from the start of each drive and limit huge plays.

The Bucs have proven to be one of the league’s most explosive offenses, and once they get into the red zone, it’s hard to stop them from scoring. Brady has a reputation for his plays in the red zone, throwing 36 touchdowns and zero interceptions there.

Brady also has his fair share of weapons this season. Tight-end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Mike Evans pose a threatening combo this Super Bowl, with 15 combined touchdowns in the red zone this season.

The Bucs have the best rushing defense in the league, only allowing 3.6 yards per attempt. With Eric Fisher, the Chiefs’ left tackle, out, the Chiefs could face problems in both the run and pass game from the Bucs’ pass rush. The Bucs had 48 sacks this season.

The game has a high potential to become a shootout, but what the Chiefs must rely on is its ability to

force and utilize turnovers. Brady has had careless outbursts, like his three interceptions in three straight drives in the NFC Championship, and exploiting this is a good move.

The Chiefs need to take the ball away and give its offense more opportunities to score. That could be the difference between hoisting the Lombardi trophy or sulking in the confetti. The Chiefs have some of the most dynamic defensive playmakers in the league, like safety Tyrann Mathieu and defensive tackle Chris Jones, who could turn the tide of the game in a few seconds.

This matchup is exciting and balanced on both sides. Both teams have a loaded pass attack and playmakers on both sides of the ball.

However, when it comes to consistency, the Chiefs have the edge.

The Bucs are riding an impressive streak, but they’ve been sloppy over the regular season and playoffs.

The Chiefs have looked sharp from the start.

Reid and the Chiefs have the chance to bolster a championship team into an even better championship team. The Bucs are hungry for a ring, but the Chiefs are on a mission to continue its dynasty.

SPORTS

FEBRUARY 3, 2021

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Southern Miss Volleyball splits doubleheader against Southeastern Louisiana CHARLIE LUTTRELL SPORTS EDITOR

fter dropping its first match in a doubleheader against Southeastern Louisiana (2-1), Southern Miss (4-2) rallied from a two-set deficit in the second match to earn a victory against the Lady Lions.

“Our team just found a little more grit and got a little bit tougher [in the second match],” Head Coach Stephanie Radecki said. “Southeastern Louisiana is a really good team, and they showed that today and in last night’s win against Tulane. It was nice to finish on a high note and see some success and have some girls come off the bench and do well for us. It was fun.”

Southern Miss’s comeback in the second match marked the first time the squad had overcome a 0-2 deficit since the 2018 C-USA Quarterfinals against Western Kentucky.

“I’m really impressed. I think we’re still becoming a team[,] and anytime you’re in that phase of the season, you just don’t really know what to expect out of your players and I definitely saw a lot of toughness,” Radecki said.

“That was really nice and I’m just really proud of them for just continuing to go after it and bouncing back and resetting anytime that we were beat on something, so that was really nice.”

While the Lady Lions seemed to be the champions of the second game after two sets, Southern Miss flipped the switch on them in the third set. The

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Golden Eagles rode an early 6-0 run to claim the set 25-17.

Both teams played with urgency in the fourth set, which was contested from the start. After eight lead changes, Southern Miss pulled away at the end to win the set 25-22.

In the final set, Southern Miss started out strong and stretched ahead on a 4-0 run. The Golden Eagles finished their comeback with a block assist by

juniors Duquesne Moratzka and Kinsley Hanback to win 15-8.

“It was an indescribable feeling honestly, especially when you’re winning like that in the fifth set,” setter Kenzie Smith said on the comeback. “That’s a very scrappy team. We knew it was not going to be easy coming into the second [game] in the doubleheader, so it was an unbelievable feeling. I’m very proud of our team and just building

on this is all we can do.”

Smith had her most productive weekend as a Golden Eagle, recording career-bests of 49 assists and 15 digs in the second match. In the first match, she had 30 assists and 10 digs.

“I think I had to face a little adversity with me just being strong with my hand and I feel like the girls around me the whole time had me,” Smith said. “Even if I felt like I was letting them down or not being consistent in my sets, they let me know they had me, and the coaches were very well communicating with me. At the end of the day, I just threw it up for the hitters and they do all the work[,] so very proud of them for executing that.”

Moratzka led the Golden Eagles’ attack in its second match with 18 kills.

She had a combined 33 kills and 12 blocks in both matches. Hanback and recent transfer Lauren Talbert also recorded ten kills in the second match.

Junior Nyanuer Bidit set a career-high record of 12 kills in the first match and nine in the second.

“I feel like tonight, we saw something out of our team we haven’t seen before,” Smith said. “We had to face adversity today and I think we realized that none of these games are going to get handed to us and we have to work, especially going into conference play starting next weekend. It’s just going to get tougher.”

Southern Miss will play one more non-conference game against Nicholls State on Feb. 2 before starting conference play at the University of Texas at El Paso on Feb. 7.

Southern Miss falls to Louisiana Tech’s second half surge CHARLIE LUTTRELL SPORTS EDITOR

hile Southern Miss (7-9, 3-6 Conference USA) managed to tie at halftime, Louisiana Tech (13-5, 6-3 Conference USA) staged a dominant second half performance to win 76-63.

“It was a perplexing second half,” Head Coach Jay Ladner said. “I thought we had played well. I thought our plan was good and for the most part, we were good at executing it.

Whatever I said or didn’t say at the half was wrong. I take full responsibility for it. We just couldn’t get it going.

A few guys struggled. Louisiana Tech really has no weaknesses and I like their team.”

After shooting with over 50% accuracy in the first half, Southern Miss slumped to a 28% accuracy in the second half. The Bulldogs took the lead on a 14-0 run and held the Golden Eagles scoreless for nearly six minutes.

“I thought we could have played with more assertiveness on defense as a team,” junior guard Tae Hardy said.

“I felt like the first half, we probably played with more energy. I feel like we lost energy in the second half.”

The first half had five lead changes overall. Both teams started out slow, but sophomore forward Tyler Stevenson gave the Golden Eagles a boost, earning ten points in the half. He also dished out three assists, including two passes to junior forward DeAndre Pinckney. Stevenson and Pinckney each finished the game with 15 points.

After Southern Miss went on a 6-0 run near the end of the first half,

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Louisiana Tech’s Amorie Archibald hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to tie the game at halftime 37-37.

Things quickly turned once Louisiana Tech honed in its energy during the second half. The Bulldogs scored 22 of its 34 points from within the paint in the period. Ladner notes the impact that the Bulldogs’ forwards had on the Golden Eagles’ energy in the second half, especially Kenneth Lofton Jr. and Andrew Gordon.

“That wears on you when every possession down the four, you’re working your tail off, especially at our size to block out, defend and rebound, it does take something out of you,” Ladner said. “I think that had a little of something to do with it [...] Lofton and Gordon, those are some big-bodied bigs [forwards] and Isaiah Crawford is a very good player. I thought we did a really good job on him[,] considering what he brought into the game.”

Junior guard LaDavius Draine struggled as the Bulldogs held him scoreless for the first time this season.

Draine finished the game with zero points on six shot attempts and four rebounds.

“I thought for the first game, Draine really struggled tonight, you know [he’s] a guy that we were counting on,” Ladner said. “He goes zero for six, doesn’t score, and he played so well last game. Give them credit for doing that [...because] we lost to a very good team.”

After missing both games against UTSA last week with an injury, Hardy returned in the starting lineup against the Bulldogs. Hardy jumped back into things immediately, leading all scorers at halftime with 11 points. He finished his return with 15 points, two rebounds and two steals.

“You could say this is the healthiest we’ve been,” Hardy said. “I’m back, Tyler Morman’s back. Blake Roberts is out with an elbow injury right now and I hope he gets better soon, but we’re just all in right now and we’re just trying to be committed to winning and try to finish out the season strong.”

Ladner says he is disappointed in the team’s loss, but is preparing for the team’s second stand against the Bulldogs.

“I’m disappointed [and] I know our fanbase is going to be disappointed,” Ladner said. “I am disappointed, I won’t say it any other way, but we’re gonna roll up our sleeves and find out a way to battle back. That’s what we’re going to do.”

Southern Miss will finish its series against Louisiana Tech on Jan. 30 in Ruston.