(AP) — Isaac Tavares scored 12 points as Southern Miss opened its season Monday with an 82-35 victory over Tougaloo.Tavares added nine rebounds for the Golden Eagles.

Isaac Taveras led the Golden Eagles with 12 points and nine rebounds, and Anthony Igiede racked up four blocks and three steals as Southern Miss trounced Tougaloo in its season opener.

After two exhibition losses, Jay Ladner's Golden Eagles tip off a season full of talent, expectations and questions Monday night in Hattiesburg.

Southern Miss star guard Isaac Taveras has grown as a leader and is hoping to push the Golden Eagles to new heights in 2026-27.