The Student Printz: February 2, 2022

SERVING SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI SINCE 1927•WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM•FEBRUARY, 2 2022 | VOLUME 107 | ISSUE 17

THE HATCHERY

PG 2

DIXIE DARLINGS PG 5

SEAN PAYTON RETIREMENT PG 7

International students at USM request more involvement from university GARRET GROVE PRINTZ REPORTER

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mid a “You know, the first pandemic time I went in a stuand uncerdent apartment, I notainty about ticed they didn’t have the future, a television. I thought, this has caused many ‘Oh these poor stuuniversities across the dents, they don’t have a country and the world to television,’” Pope said. reassess the experience “I didn’t even realize and services provided for that they didn’t have a their students. For many bed to sleep on.” international students at Kamsi Ben-Chiobi The University of Southis a senior computer ern Mississippi, a reasengineering major sessment is needed. from Nigeria. He is apUSM is home to preciative of the efforts over 450 international of those involved with students from over 70 i Friends, but said that countries. Like their dothe school could do mestic counterparts, they more. are students who come “Kudos to the peoto Hattiesburg to advance ple who do i Friends their educational pursuits International students march in the Homecoming parade last semester. but I feel like the Sean Smith | Printz and to become more well-rounded school could really take some load off pus is not always seamless, and stu ly as a bible study group, it helps individuals. ‘em and put that on themselves, you dents have suggestions as to how to make settling into Hattiesburg However, unique challenges are know?” Chiobi said. to improve the process. and living as an international student present to these students who come The sentiment is shared among “I feel like USM should have some easier. from cultures and settings that differ other international students. sort of agreement with realities close The organization has a Facebook greatly from the United States.

“I Friends helps with getting a to the campus such that any USM group with over 1300 members.

Oftentimes, international students place to stay. They help with furniture. student seeking accommodation only Inside the private Facebook group, at USM congregate together, which They help with rides through town. has to present the I-20 and that’s it.” students are able to communicate helps to explain why over 90% of And I’m like, ‘Why isn’t the school housing, transportation and other international students live off campus. Oladeji said. doing something? Why does it have Suzanne Omran is the director of needs to members and community Maegan Williams, a junior bioto be a group of people having to step International Student and Scholar partners. chemistry major from Jamaica, shares in to do that?’ It’s quite disturbing.”

Services at USM. The office, which Some of those community partan apartment with Eunice Oladeji, a Oladeji said. is comprised of two staff members ners include student organizations medical doctor from Nigeria who is The Student Printz reached out to including Omran, told The Printz that on campus, like the Baptist Student currently working on her master’s in the University in order to get a better they work with community partners Union and USM’s chapter of Wesley. public health. sense of what the University does for to help provide apartment listings to “Having that community is really Williams and Oladeji lived on international students. international students. important for us because it makes you campus. However due to a variety It reached out to James Coll, “We have apartment listings that feel like you’re not a complete alien,” of reasons, they ended up moving USM’s Chief Communication Officer. we try and keep up with regularly Williams said. off-campus.

His office directed to Jennifer Lewis, that we can send out to students who Kathy Pope manages the Facebook the university’s Associate Director for “Having to pray, ‘Lord, lead me to request that kind of information,” page for i Friends. She explained that the right stand or stall where they will Compliance and Ethics.

Omran said. the organization transformed into be serving something I can eat,’ and A major community partner that one that ministers to international it wasn’t really fun. It wasn’t,” Oladeji CONTINUED ON ministers to international students is ‘i students after she and others saw the said.

PAGE 4 Friends’. Starting in 2006 original need.

The transition to living off-cam

NEWS MEET THE CONTRIBUTORS SM2 News Director Charlie Luttrell charles.luttrell@usm.edu

FEBRUARY 2, 2022 WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM The Hatchery aspires to crack open ideas and inspiration at USM

Executive Editor Kyra Lampley kyra.lampley@usm.edu Entertainment/Features Editor Loren Jones loren.jones@usm.edu SM2 Creative Director Z’eani Furdge zeani.furdge@usm.edu Printz Reporter Garret Grove garret.grove@usm.edu Printz Photographer Sean Smith seanasmith@usm.edu Printz Reporter Dima Mixon joshua.mixon@usm.edu Printz Reporter Jackson Howell jackson.howell@usm.edu Printz Reporter Abigail Troth abigail.troth@usm.edu

Southern Miss Student Media

@Southern Miss Student Media @studentprintz

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.

Professors talk at the Hatchery’ Inspiration Lab’s open house.

Z’eani Furdge|Printz

GARRET GROVE PRINTZ REPORTER

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n Wednesday Jan. 26, the Hatchery Inspiration Lab held its open house for the University of Southern Mississippi community to view the expansive work and collaborative space.

Located in Scianna Hall, the Hatchery strives to be a space and resource for all at USM to brainstorm, discuss and develop ideas and projects.

With two 3D printers, a 3D laser printer, Dell Inspiron desktops, iMacs and more, the lab is decked out with thousands of dollars of hardware, as well as software installed to use most of the equipment.

James Wilcox is a professor in the school of management, as well as the director of the Hatchery. He, along with others, saw the need for the university to have a space where students could engage with resources and staff to help develop their ideas.

“Now we have a place to engage with students to facilitate those conversations, and for all those different skill sets coming from across campus to work together, finally, to move forward with ideas.” Wilcox said. “And so this is the place where that is going to happen.”

This space stemmed from an idea proposed in a creative marketing class at USM. Students like Daniel Wimberley, a graduate assistant in the school of marketing, believe the Hatchery will be a stepping stone to the fostering of other ideas.

That includes events like the annual Golden Idea Pitch Competition, which is open to all students at USM. “This might be a good place for them to just brainstorm and also create a physical replica of what their idea and their pitch is.” Wimberley said.

Wilcox envisions not only better competitions, but more collaboration across campus.

“In the future, we’ll do a lot more competitions, interdisciplinary competitions, bringing in students from different areas across campus to work together, not just against each other, but to work together to create even better products, even better services and solutions to existing problems.” Wilcox said.

An interdisciplinary course currently taught inside the Hatchery involves instructors and students from the communication, business, criminal justice and computer science departments.

The instructors teach and even send their students across the country to help tackle problems within the Department of Defense.

This course, along with a business consulting course, is taught in the Hatchery every Monday and Wednesday.

Jon Leonard is an MBA student at USM. He also sees how the Hatchery can be used as a stepping stone for those with aspirations beyond the walls of this space.

“We have a lot of really great minds at Southern Miss that kind of need that. They’re not looking to work for somebody, they’re looking to own their own business,” Leonard said. “And this is a great place to kind of build the foundations for that.”

To gain card access to the lab, one must take a safety overview course. They are scheduled for January 31, February 1, February 4 and March 7.

For more information on this and subsequent courses on using specific hardware an\d software in the Hatchery Inspiration Lab, go to usm.edu/hatchery.

NEWS FEBRUARY 2, 2022 WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM A look around the Hatchery Inspiration Lab

The Hatchery Inspiration Lab features a neon sign with its cloud and lightning logo with its matching phrase, “where inspiration strikes.”

The Hatchery is decked with new computers that allow students to create and design for their projects.

The Hatchery features an open space to allow students to feel comfortable when collaborating on projects.

The Hatchery includes multiple working surfaces for students to create a variety of projects.

FEBRUARY 2, 2022 NEWS International students However, Cantrell said that there are no direct initiatives geared toward international students in the food pantry.

“At this time, we do not have any program geared solely to international students. We try to do all students,” Cantrell said in an email to The Printz.

Students like Oladeji did not find this encouraging.

“If that’s how they think they can help international students, I think they really need to sit down with international students and talk to them about the things they need,” Oladeji said.

Omran sees the need for the Office of International Student and Scholar Services to do more but notes that many of the accommodations provided by community organizations like i Friends go beyond the resources and capabilities of her office.

“It’s something that my office realistically cannot do,” Omran said. “And I’m going to be perfectly honest with you, I’ve not seen an institution provide that level of service to international students.”

The Printz reached out to the international student service offices at Mississippi State University, The University of Mississippi and Jackson State University.

Kei Mamiya, Associate Director of the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center at Mississippi State, responded to The Printz.

Mamiya, a former international student himself, said there was a liaison program at MSU that matched current students with incoming international students to help with their transition onto the Starkville campus and area.

“We work with those kinds of liaisons to provide information and then mostly advice for international students to prepare themselves coming here,” Mamiya said.

Aside from this program, there appears to be no appreciable difference in offerings between MSU’s and USM’s respective offices.

Mamiya also mentioned that outside organizations within the community ministered to their international students as well.

At the time of publication, the respective offices at Jackson State University and The University of Mississippi have not responded to The Printz’s multiple requests for comment.

In relation to their academic pursuits and advancement, many international students find support lacking.

“If we’re contributing to the school’s GPA, if most of us are making Dean’s lists, presidents lists, the excellence is here. We traveled from a whole different country because we are excellent,” Williams said. “And I feel like the school

does not recognize that sometimes. You feel like a number or a quota that they have to meet or something that they’re doing to get diversity.”

Chiobi feels that internships are harder to obtain for international students like himself.

He cites many internships having eligibility requirements that exclude international students, as well as a lack of engagement from USM’s various schools and colleges to secure opportunities international students can pursue.

“International students are involved with every college on this campus, and I feel like they’re all facing the same challenges that I’m facing,” Chiobi said.

International students also note a parallel trend as it relates to scholarships.

“You’re fighting to keep your grades up and your GPA up and the school doesn’t recognize it. It makes you feel like giving up because you’re just away from everything that could support you,” Williams said.

“You’re away from the love of your country, of your family, you’re away from your food, you’re away from your culture, you’re literally put in just this place where you are the alien.”

Directors of both the USM Foundation and International Recruitment and Admissions office explained that international students are eligible for hundreds of scholarships. International students are considered non-resident/ out-of-state students on USM scholarship applications.

According to Petra Marlin, Director of International Recruitment and Admissions, there is only one scholarship in USM’s scholarship system that is specifically designated for international students: the “South or Central America Medical Scholarship Endowment.”

However, moving from another country is more costly than moving from another state. Being able to stay at USM is more complicated than being able to pay tuition.

Community groups like i Friends realize the financial burden which can make the experience for international students even more stressful.

“It’s just super expensive for them.

But they contribute financially to the university because they have to pay so much more,” Pope said. “So there really needs to be a lot of consideration given to them. Yeah, we can do better.”

The Printz also reached out to the

WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 scholarship offices at Mississippi State University, Jackson State University and the University of Mississippi. The scholarship office at UM said that international students can only apply for merit-based scholarships.

As of the time of publication, the scholarship offices at MSU and JSU have not responded to The Printz.

It is not realistic -or even possible- for any university to be able to address and resolve all problems and concerns made by any respective group in the student body. But for many, the current level of university engagement for international students requires an immediate reassessment.

“They might think that they’re doing the best they can,” Oladeji said. “But maybe they just need to hear it from the international students just like you’re doing that there actually could be more they could do.”

EDITORIAL

FEBRUARY 2, 2022

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The Dixie Darlings: Renaming a Legacy

The Southern Miss Dixie Darlings march before a football game ABIGAIL TROTH PRINTZ REPORTER

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or decades, the Dixie Darlings have been a staple of Southern Miss. Kicking their legs up to the sky and twirling with grace, the Southern Miss dance team creates a vibrant and contagious energy wherever they are. Without them, our campus community would falter.

Recently, however, many terms and names in commonplace have been called out as racist, offensive and long-due for change.

Many bands, businesses, attractions and other forms of entertainment or corporations have changed their names out of respect.

The term “dixie” has been one of the most common changes.

It is now labeled as a offensive and a term due for change and many would agree that this term should rightfully be changed.

In 2020, the Dixie Darlings announced the effort to change their name to avoid offense and to continue to create a safe and healthy environment.

While it seemed that many officials were in support of this name change, it is 2022 and this change has yet to come.

They’re still referred to as the Dixie Darlings and not many developments have been discussed about the promised name change.

It begs the question: is the name change even coming? Dixie is an offensive term hailing from the era of the Confederate South.

Of course, a common Southern term is not surprising at a school in the South called the University of Southern Mississippi.

The term is deeply problematic and bears memories of slavery, an unjustified implementation of the American South.

Many celebrities and businesses that used the word have already changed their names.

The word seems to be slowly becoming obsolete, nearly fading away before the public eye.

However, it has been a part of USM’s dance team for over 65 years. Since their conception in 1954, they have been known strictly as the Dixie Darlings. Only in recent years has their name become an issue.

In 2020, there were protests and riots around the nation and other parts of the

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world that rightfully brought light to the racism, white supremacy and injustices that exist in modern society. The Dixie Darlings promised a name change in August of that year, yet it has not materialized.

It isn’t easy to pick up and change a name that has been a key element of Southern Miss tradition.

However, some traditions are controversial and call for a change. While it is understandable that the Dixie Darlings are a USM legacy, we must remember that this community also prides itself on acceptance, friendship and respect. If people in this community are affected negatively, then it is time for a change.

A promise is a promise. A name change was announced, so a name change should be expected.

The Southern Miss community loves this team and has for years--having the utmost respect for their hard work, grace and dignity. A football game without them would feel incomplete.

However, the name is not without fault and has to change in order to make our community a more accepting place. Despite the current disposition of their name, the Darlings are so much more than that.

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FEBRUARY 2, 2022

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Ghostface Returns as Scream (2022) Takes Over Theaters JACKSON HOWELL PRINTZ REPORTER

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he Scream franchise has both frightened and entertained audiences since the 1990s, so it is no surprise that a fifth installment of the film was produced. The film stars the original cast-- Neve Campbell, David Arquette and Courteney Cox. New additions include Jack Quaid, Dylan Minnette, Mikey Madison, Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera as the lead character of Sam. The film occurs in the town of Woodsboro, like the previous films. The opening scene features the return of Ghostface, the recurring villain of the franchise. Ghostface attacks Tara (Ortega), thus igniting the night of terror.

Sam (Barrera) and Richie (Quaid), return to Woodsboro to check on Tara. She survives the initial attack, but Ghostface continues to wreak havoc onto the friend group. Having nowhere else to turn, Sam and Richie visit Dewey (Arquette).

Dewey provides insight on Ghostface as the character’s pattern is revealed: one member of the group always knows something about another’s past. Sam and Richie ask for Dewey’s help, but he is reluc-

tant to join them.

Dewey meets with Sam, Richie and the rest of the friend group to reveal the potential motives of Ghostface.

The friends are combative and Sam flees. Dewey contacts Sidney (Campbell), to tell her Ghostface has returned. Sidney is warned to stay away, which she initially does. Gale (Cox), returns to Woodsboro after Ghostface murders her friend.

Sam and Dewey go to the hospital to check on Tara after learning that the deputy that was assigned to guard her was seen at the crime scene. Ghostface awaits their arrival.

Attacks continue at the hospital which leads Sidney to the original cast. The third act culminates at the house from the original Scream. Towards the ending of the film, it is revealed that there are 2 killers, thus the action peaks.

This is the first Scream movie that Wes Craven has not contributed to, due to his death in 2015. It is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. Gary Busick and James Vanderbilt wrote the screenplay, and the characters were created

by Kevin Williamson. The film has grossed over 85 million dollars worldwide, with a 24 million dollar budget. Rotten

Tomatoes rates Scream as “Certified Fresh” with a 77 percent approval rating.

Scream is an intriguing story with the occasional great performance. Arquette, in particular, delivered one of his best performances to date.

Campbell and Cox do not disappoint, but the new cast held their own as well. Quaid and Ortega gave the best performances, as the supporting cast carried the movie. The only weakness was the lead. Barrera had some great moments with real emotion, but at other times her emotions did not translate. The killing scenes

Joseph Weishaar|Printz

were phenomenally executed, but the film is not as frightful as the previous installments.

The film is meta, meaning it references past movies and the real world. It does all to break the fourth wall except staring at the camera. This contributed to humorous jokes and displayed creativity.

Overall, Scream is an above-average horror film that is worth the watch for horror movie fans. Who knows, maybe they will Scream out of excitement or horror, only time will tell. The film is showing in theaters for a limited time.

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End of an Era: Sean Payton steps away as Saints coach

JACKSON HOWELL PRINTZ REPORTER fter 15 seasons as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Sean Payton announced he was stepping away from the team Tuesday, Jan. 25.

“I still have a vision for doing things in football, and I’ll be honest with you, that might be coaching again at some point. I don’t think it’s this year… that’s not where my heart is right now,” Payton said at his press conference. “I don’t know what’s next, and it kind of feels good.”

The Saints hired Payton in 2006 after firing former head coach Jim Haslett after a 3-13 season. New Orleans found instant success as they made it to the franchise’s first NFC Championship in Payton’s first season as coach.

Three years later in the 2009 season, Payton led the Saints to their first and only Super Bowl appearance. The Saints were trailing 10-6 at halftime to the Indianapolis Colts before Payton made an unprecedented coaching decision: an onside kick to begin the second half.

In one of the most memorable Super Bowl moments, the Saints recovered the kick and instantly received momentum.

New Orleans went on to win Super Bowl XLIV 31-17.

Payton’s overall record as Saints head coach was 152-89 with a .631 winning percentage.

The Saints have the fourth-best record overall since 2006 at 159-98 (Payton was suspended for the entire 2012 season as a result of the Bountygate scandal).

His teams reached three NFC championships and won nine playoff games whereas the Saints only had one playoff win total prior to Payton’s tenure.

A great coach can make a team successful, but a leader at quarterback is essential to a great team. Payton found that with Drew Brees, who also joined the Saints in 2006.

It was a match made in heav-

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en as Brees broke numerous passing records with Payton’s offense.

Before the 2021 season implemented a 17 game season, quarterbacks threw for 5,000 yards in a season 12 times. Brees accounted for five of such seasons.

Payton and Brees trail only Bill Belichick and Tom Brady in wins by a coach-quarterback duo.

There are numerous coaches who have won many games and had great offenses. After all, Sean Payton is 21st in total wins by a head coach. The aspect that sets him apart is what he, alongside Brees, meant to New Orleans.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans. All hope was lost as floodwaters flowed across the city, leaving many homeless and displaced. The Superdome was used as a shelter as the Saints played home games primarily in San Antonio and Baton Rouge.

The city was reeling, and the only direction the people could look was towards the Saints.

The Saints returned to the Superdome on Week 3 of the 2006 season on Monday Night Football against the Falcons.

When Steve Gleason blocked a punt on the first possession of the game which led to a Saints touchdown, the sold-out crowd in the Superdome erupted. New Orleans had found its hope.

“In the bleakest moment of New Orleans [Brees and Payton] were hope,” Ryan Clark,who grew up just south of New Orleans, said on ESPN. “I think Sean Payton’s legacy goes far beyond what he’s meant to football in New Orleans.”

Once Brees retired, the quarterback situation became vastly more difficult in New Orleans.

Four different quarterbacks saw

significant playing time during the 2021 season.

The Saints had an NFL record 58 different starters during the season. Hurricane Ida forced the team to relocate to Fort Worth for the first month of the season. They played their first game of the season in Jacksonville as the home team.

Despite all of these obstacles, Payton coached the Saints to a winning record and came up minutes short of making the playoffs. Payton noted that it was a difficult season, but he insisted that this decision was something he had been pondering before the season began.

“Sean Payton was wrestling with stepping away for a year or two…[He] told [Saints Owner Gayle Benson] a couple of weeks ago, and she asked him to take some time off and think about it. He’s gone up and down about it for a while, too, but the theme I got more than not is that he needs a break,” Jay Glazer of Fox Sports said. “[Brees and I] never discussed when my last game would be, but this season…it was challenging for everyone. But, man, I felt like it was time,” Payton said. “I felt the time was right, and it’s something I’ve been

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thinking about.”

Payton received an outpouring of support from his former players following the announcement.

“Sean Payton is a legend.

Don’t ever forget that,” Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas said on Twitter. “[I] appreciate this man more than I can express. [I] wish you well on everything you do going forward,” Saints linebacker and team captain Demario Davis said.

“Sometimes talent and ability just need an opportunity to prove itself. I’m forever grateful for that opportunity. The impact of your vision and leadership reaches beyond wins and lossesit helped create a culture that’s unmatched,” former Saints wide receiver Marques Colston said.

As the Saints look forward to the future, Payton mentioned current defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as a “great candidate” for the next head coach.

When that time comes, it will officially mark the start of a new chapter for the organization, moving from the historic 15 seasons of the Payton Era. “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard,” Payton said.

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FEBRUARY 2, 2022

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Southern Miss baseball media day gives fans an appetizer for upcoming season

DIMA MIXON PRINTZ REPORTER

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outhern Miss baseball is just three weeks away, and Head Coach Scott Berry, junior infielder Will McGillis and senior outfielder Gabe Montenegro sat down with various media outlets Thursday, Jan. 27 to preview the upcoming season.

Last season, the Golden Eagles posted a 40-21 (22-9) record and ended their impressive run in the NCAA Oxford Regionals with a 12-9 defeat to the Ole Miss Rebels in the win-or-go-home championship game.

With the team being relatively young last year and with eight starters returning this season, the hype and potential for this team are high.

Berry opened the day off with a concise but precise opening statement, touting how excited the coaches and players are and how hard they have worked since fall camp opened in August.

“We are excited about the opportunity and the challenges that lie ahead,” Berry said.

Berry is just 34 games away from being the winningest coach in Southern Miss baseball history, which Hill Denson currently holds.

“I have to put all the credit to the people around me,” Berry said. “It is the people

around me that have made me successful, but whatever comes, I give credit to the players and the coaches and the administration.”

The team has a formidable non–conference schedule, which currently ranks #35 in the country in toughness. There are notable games on the schedule including North Alabama to open the season, followed by South Alabama. They also pull a series with Louisiana, Tulane and Dallas Baptist.

They are also playing three SEC oppo

Charlie Luttrell | Printz

nents: Alabama, Ole Miss and defending national champions, Mississippi State.

“We have North Alabama before we play any of those teams,” McGillis said.

“We are really excited about that schedule.”

McGillis finished last season with 11 home runs and 45 hits on the season.

Berry said that McGillis was like ‘a second coach’ on the field.

“Coach Berry has always told me that the reason he liked me was going back to high school, my baseball IQ. I know I have a strong ability to lead and know the game

and can be a couple of steps ahead of where somebody else might be,” McGillis said.

The team is also excited to have Gabe Montenegro return, who finished last season with a team-high 82 hits and four home runs.

“Ever since I first came here, I felt at home. Everyone is so welcoming.” Montenegro said, reflecting on what the fans meant to him. “Having all this support from everyone, I will always appreciate that.”

Berry said the team had set its goals for the season on January 1, did not mention what they were but nothing short of an appearance in the postseason, no doubt.

Montenegro did not shy away from his goal for the season.

“My goal is to get to Omaha,” Montenegro said. “This year I want to make it all the way, and I’ll do anything possible to help the team so we can make it all the way.”

Southern Miss has only been to Omaha one time- in 2009. With a tough non-conference slate and a tough conference, they will be battle-ready if they make it that far.

Will they?

Time will tell, but it all starts Feb. 18 at 4 p.m. versus North Alabama.

Southern Miss slumps to six-game conference losing streak IAN LLANTIN PRINTZ REPORTER

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outhern Miss men’s basketball’s losing streak extended to three games and six consecutive conference games as the squad fell to Rice 62-76 Saturday

afternoon.

In a similar story to the previous game, Southern Miss executed well early. Jaron Pierre Jr. caught fire early by hitting backto-back three-pointers to start the game.

However, Pierre’s early success from long range didn’t stop a 14-0 run from Rice.

The Golden Eagles continued to struggle both offensively and defensively.

“The last couple of games we’ve seemed ready to go and get off to a fast start, but we just have a problem sustaining it,” Head Coach Jay Ladner said. “I didn’t think our defensive intensity was where it needed to be when you’re playing a top offensive team like that.”

Yet, the momentum of the game would soon turn. Tyler Stevenson drew a charge which led to a three from Rashad Bolden to tie the game at 16-16.

Both Southern Miss and Rice played with intensity, but a ferocious dunk from Isiah Moore set the tone for the remaining 7 minutes of the first half.

Pierre later made three straight

Head Coach Jay Ladner looks at the scoreboard in frustration. Sean Smith| Printz

three-pointers to narrow the Owls’ lead and forced a timeout, as they struggled to contain Pierre’s shooting. Following the timeout, Pierre hit another shot that tied the game 32-32.

The Owls stole the momentum as Rice guard Travis Evee hit a buzzer-beater from deep to end the first half.

Peirre led the Southern Miss first-half scoring 19 points. However, this wasn’t enough for him, as he was quick to drain a

three at the start of the second half.

Pierre finished with a career-high of 29 points on 10-23 shooting, including seven three-pointers. He also recorded five rebounds and five assists with one turnover in 40 minutes of play.

But Pierre alone could not lift Southern Miss into the win column as Rice dominated the second half by making open shots and limiting scoring on defense.

Rice’s Quincy Olivari hit a three to put

the Owls above Southern Miss by double digits for the first time, forcing Ladner to call a timeout.

Yet, Southern Miss threw away the ball following the timeout in a careless turnover.

Stevenson hit a turnaround jump shot in order to get the Golden Eagles back within single digits. Stevenson recorded his fifteenth double-digit performance of the season with 14 points on 6-12 shooting and a team-high seven rebounds.

With 9 minutes left in the half, Southern Miss had a chance to narrow the lead even more as the scoreboard stood 58-51 and Walyn Napper went to the free-throw line.

However, he missed both and Rice extend their lead past double digits.

Pierre continued to fight by scoring a contested layup to bring the Eagles within 12. Then, he lobbed the ball to Isaih Moore for an alley-oop slam to give the Golden Eagles one last spark.

However, the late-game efforts were not enough as Rice finished the game with a 14-point lead for their twelfth win of the season.

Southern Miss will look to snap its losing streak on a two-game stand in Florida against FIU on Feb. 3 and then FAU on Feb. 5.