Domonique Davis' first order of business as she stepped off the court was to hug head coach Joye Lee-McNelis.
In what is likely her final game at Reed Green Coliseum, Davis turned in a 29-point performance that helped Southern Miss defeat Texas State 68-58 on Saturday.
"I'm definitely going to miss it," Davis said. "These past three years have been incredible. Like Coach said, I've grown a lot on and off the court. The fans here, my teammates and coaches have been amazing.
"Our relationship is great, and I know everything she does is out of love. I appreciate her more than she knows."
Davis is ranked No. 11 for the most points scored career in Southern Miss' program history.
"Being a Lady Eagles means a lot because of the history here," Davis said. "I'm so excited that I was able to leave my mark."
Davis scored 16 of her points in the fourth quarter. The Lady Eagles briefly trailed 43-42 at the start of the quarter but pulled together a 9-2 run to break away from Texas State (13-14, 3-11 Sun Belt) in the game's final three minutes.
"Dom Davis got off to a little bit of a slow start," McNelis said. "In the second, third, and fourth quarters, she took control of the game.
"It's been fun to watch her grow. It's been fun to watch her develop in every aspect of her life. Not just on the basketball court. You know, she stole a lot of hearts with her acrobatic moves and being able to get some shots to go in that most people won't. She has really grown, and I'm so proud of her."
Jacorriah Bracey posted a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Melyia Grayson added 12 points.
Despite the Lady Eagles' victory, Southern Miss (15-10, 8-6) was short three players who were suspended due to a fight that occurred in the previous game against Arkansas State. Nolani Cornfield, Brikayla Gray, Asjha Leake and Davis were ejected. Arkansas State's Emma Imevbore was also ejected and is serving a two-game suspension.
"We were able to select games," McNelis said. "I asked Dom if she wanted to sit out with the others, and I knew she didn't. But I wanted to give her the option. As coaches, we are figuring out where we need people based on who we are playing. That's what we have tried to work through."
Davis will serve a suspension in a later game; however, Southern Miss would not comment as to how long the suspensions will last.
"I'm very fortunate to be able to play today," Davis said. "I'm glad that our coaches and (athletic director) were able to make that happen because it meant a lot to me to play my last game at Reed Green. I'm very appreciative that something was worked out so that I could be able to play in front of the fans one more time."
The program gave a statement prior to the game:
"Brikayla Gray, Nolanie Cornfield and Asjha Leake will serve suspensions with Sun Belt Conference rulings."
Southern Miss will now go on the road for its final four games. The Lady Eagles return to action against Louisiana-Monroe on Thursday with tipoff set for 5 p.m.
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