The University of South Alabama took an 82-53 decision over the Spring Hill College men's basketball team on Thursday night at the Mitchell Center.

SHC gave USA all it could ask for in the first eight minutes of play and held a slim 19-17 lead following a basket by sophomore guard Antonio Burch of Pontiac, Mich.  Back-to-back mid-court steals that led to dunks at the other end by the Jaguars, however, gave USA a lead and the emotional edge that it never lost.

The two dunks ignited an 18-0 run over the next six minutes that allowed USA (3-1) to build a 35-19 advantage and take a 43-29 lead into the locker room.

In the second half, SHC could not find a rhythm and fell down by as much as 35 points at 82-47 with just over two minutes remaining.

Senior guard Marcus Coleman of Wilmer, Ala., scored 17 points for the Badgers including canning five of 13 3-pointers and Burch added 11 points with five rebounds.

Four Jaguar players scored double-digits led by Martino Brock with 16 points.  Tim Williams led all rebounders with 11 and scored 13 points for the Jags.

Spring Hill shot 33.3% (20-60) from the field and 25% (6-24) from the arc.  The Badgers surrendered 15 turnovers - 12 of which came off quick-handed USA steals.

USA shot a scorching 51.9% (28-54) from the field and 50% (5-10) from 3-point land.  The Badgers stole six of the Jaguars 13 turnovers.

A resounding statistic came at the free throw line where SHC was a respectable seven of 10, but the Jags went 21 of 26.

The Badgers (2-0) will next host Talladega College (4-0) on Friday night beginning at 7 p.m. in the Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center.