MOBILE, Ala. (AP) Mario Jointer scored 19 points and hit one of two free throws that put South Alabama ahead of Samford 52-50 on Wednesday night.
Jointer's free throw with 23 seconds left bolstered the Jaguars' lead, until J. Robert Merritt cut the deficit to 51-50 on a 3-pointer moments later. Shane Spencer answered with another free throw that sealed the victory for South Alabama (1-1) with 13 second left in play.
Merritt led scoring with 30 points, shooting 10-of-19 from the field for Samford (2-1).
Jointer shot 7-of-19 from the field and hit 3-of-8 free throws.
The Bulldogs led 25-20 at the half, but were held to 39 percent shooting in the second period. The Jaguars shot 56 percent in the second half and 51 percent overall.
The Jaguars also outrebounded Samford 33-20.
