The South Alabama basketball team bounced back in a big way on Saturday, winning 70-56 at Buffalo as part of the MAC/Sun Belt Challenge.

The victory came five days after the Jaguars lost their season-opener at home to NAIA opponent Mobile 83-74. But South Alabama (1-1) had no such trouble on Saturday, leading throughout and by as many as 23 points in the second half.

Freshman Marcus Millender led three South Alabama players in double-figures with 15 points off the bench, while Isiah Gaiter added 13 and Maxwell Land 12. The Jaguars shot 57.1% from the field and won the rebounding battle, 36-32.

Isaiah Adams scored a game-high 28 points for Buffalo, which falls to 0-2 this season. Jonnivius Smith added 19 points and 19 rebounds for the Bulls.

The win was a much-needed confidence-booster for Richie Riley’s Jaguars, who travel to face defending SEC champion Alabama on Tuesday. That game tips off at 7 p.m. at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa.