HATTIESBURG, Miss. (Interstat) — In a chaotic, turnover-filled Sun Belt Conference clash that saw momentum swing wildly, Southern Mississippi outlasted Old Dominion 86-81 on Saturday at Reed Green Coliseum.

The Golden Eagles, who trailed by seven at halftime, used a dominant second-half performance in the paint and a series of critical defensive plays down the stretch to secure the victory and improve to 15-14 overall. The Monarchs fell to 10-19 despite a hot-shooting first half and a spirited effort that saw them lead for nearly 28 minutes of game time.

The most pivotal sequence came in the final minute with Southern Mississippi clinging to an 84-81 lead. Old Dominion’s Scottie Hubbard attempted a potential game-tying 3-pointer, but it was blocked by Dalyn Brandon. Zacch Wiggins grabbed the offensive rebound for the Monarchs, but their ensuing possession ended in a turnover when Djahi Binet stole the ball from Hubbard with four seconds remaining. Binet was fouled and sank both free throws to seal the five-point win.

Southern Mississippi’s victory was fueled by superior efficiency and interior dominance. The Golden Eagles shot 54.5% from the field, compared to Old Dominion’s 43.1%, and outscored the Monarchs 46-22 in the paint. They also capitalized on transition opportunities, holding a 19-7 advantage in fastbreak points. While both teams were sloppy, combining for 42 turnovers, Southern Mississippi’s ability to score more easily in the half-court proved decisive.

Isaac Taveras led the Golden Eagles with a stat-stuffing performance of 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal. His defensive activity was constant, contributing to Old Dominion’s 18 turnovers. Tylik Weeks provided the primary scoring punch with a game-high 27 points on 11-of-17 shooting. Djahi Binet was a force inside, finishing with 13 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, while Israel Hart added 21 points, including three 3-pointers.

Old Dominion built its halftime lead behind torrid perimeter shooting, connecting on 10 of 21 from beyond the arc for the game. Ketron Shaw led the Monarchs with 18 points, while Jordan Battle added 17 and LJ Thomas contributed 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Jared Turner provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, all from 3-point range.

The game’s tempo was frenetic from the start. Old Dominion raced to an early lead, hitting five of its first seven shots, including three 3-pointers, to go ahead 15-4. Southern Mississippi responded with a 12-2 run, powered by Weeks and Hart, to close the gap. The Monarchs, however, maintained their touch from deep, with Turner hitting three first-half 3s to help them take a 47-40 lead into the break.

The second half saw a complete reversal in the paint. Southern Mississippi opened the period on a 12-4 run, tying the game at 51 on a Taveras dunk just over four minutes in. The Golden Eagles took their first lead since 2-0 on a pair of Tylik Weeks free throws with 16:04 to play and never trailed again, though the Monarchs stayed within one possession for much of the half.

Old Dominion stayed close by forcing turnovers, converting 24 Southern Mississippi miscues into 27 points. Every time the Golden Eagles threatened to pull away, the Monarchs answered, often with a 3-pointer. A Jordan Battle triple with 7:27 left cut the deficit to 72-71, and a Ketron Shaw jumper with 4:56 left made it 77-75.

But Southern Mississippi always had a response, usually inside. A Binet dunk and a Hart 3-pointer pushed the lead back to seven. Old Dominion made a final push, closing to 81-78 after two Battle free throws with 1:45 left and 84-81 after a Thomas free throw with 40 seconds remaining, setting the stage for the decisive defensive stand.

The announced attendance was 2,747. Southern Mississippi next travels to face Arkansas State on Tuesday. Old Dominion visits Marshall on Tuesday.