MOBILE, Ala. (Interstat) — A dominant third-quarter surge propelled the South Alabama Jaguars to a 70-63 victory over the Florida Atlantic Owls in a sloppy, turnover-filled women’s college basketball game on Thursday night at the Mitchell Center.

In a contest where both teams combined for 51 turnovers, South Alabama used a decisive 25-15 third quarter to break open a game that was tied 30-30 at halftime. The Jaguars improved to 4-1 on the season, while the Owls fell to an even 2-2.

The game was a back-and-forth affair through the first 20 minutes, with neither team able to build a substantial lead. Florida Atlantic held a narrow 16-15 edge after the first quarter, but South Alabama’s consistent output in the second locked the game at the half.

The third quarter, however, belonged entirely to the Jaguars. They opened the period on a 15-5 run, capitalizing on a series of Florida Atlantic miscues. The Owls committed 26 turnovers in the game, leading to 29 points for South Alabama. The Jaguars were nearly as generous with the ball, giving it away 25 times, which resulted in 20 points for the visitors.

South Alabama’s offensive efficiency in the pivotal quarter proved to be the difference. The Jaguars shot 22 of 53 from the floor for the game, while the Owls managed only 17 made field goals on 44 attempts. Florida Atlantic kept the game within reach by getting to the free-throw line frequently, making 24 of 29 attempts. South Alabama was 21 of 29 from the stripe.

Vivian Onugha led all scorers for Florida Atlantic, finishing with 17 points. Jess Moors added 11 points, and Destyne Jackson and Michiyah Simmons each chipped in 10 points. The Owls dished out 16 assists and recorded 16 steals but were ultimately undone by their ball-handling struggles and South Alabama’s 32-24 advantage in points in the paint.

South Alabama’s attack was more balanced. Amyah Sutton led the Jaguars with 14 points. Chrysta Narcisse scored 12, while Daniela Gonzalez and Diawna Carter-Hartley each contributed 11 points. The Jaguars won the rebounding battle, pulling down 11 offensive boards to Florida Atlantic’s seven, and blocked four shots.

The Owls mounted a late comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, outscoring South Alabama 20-15, but the Jaguars made crucial free throws in the final minute to secure the seven-point win in front of a crowd of 379.

Florida Atlantic will look to rebound when it hosts Florida on Monday. South Alabama’s next contest is at home against Kennesaw State on Tuesday.