Preview: North Texas at South Alabama MOBILE, Ala. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to rebound from rare recent losses will meet Sunday when the South Alabama Jaguars host the North Texas Mean Green in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup at the Mitchell Center. South Alabama (8-2) saw a four-game win streak snapped decisively in a 91-65 road loss to East Tennessee State on Dec. 5. The Jaguars, who are 4-0 at home this season, will rely on guard Jayden Cooper, who scored a team-high 19 points in that defeat. Cooper has been a key scorer, averaging 11.8 points over his last five contests. North Texas (7-3) enters after falling 65-55 to TCU at home on Dec. 7, which halted a four-game winning streak of its own. The Mean Green’s success often flows through guard David Terrell, who has been a consistent all-around force. Terrell is averaging 12.2 points and 5.8 assists over his last five games, including a 10-assist performance in a narrow win over Houston Christian. Both teams have shown resilience in close games. North Texas has won three games by five points or fewer this season, while South Alabama edged New Mexico State 77-75 on Dec. 2 and opened its season with a tight road win at Toledo. Defense will be a focal point. North Texas has held opponents to 69 points or fewer in seven of its 10 games. South Alabama, aside from its last outing, had held its previous four opponents under 76 points. This contest represents a final tune-up before both teams embark on challenging stretches. North Texas begins a two-game West Coast swing at Santa Clara on Dec. 17, while South Alabama opens Sun Belt Conference play at Louisiana-Monroe on the same date. Sunday’s game is scheduled for a 3 p.m. CST tip-off.