WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Jacksonville State Gamecocks picked up a 72-59 win over Howard University in the nation's capital Wednesday night, capping off a three-game road trip.
 
The sixth victory of the season brings JSU to the .500 mark with two games to play before the holiday break. The last time the Gamecocks had six wins before Christmas was 2014-15.
 
Four Gamecocks scored in double figures, including senior Erik Durham. The hot-shooting guard posted a team-high 19 points and hit six three-pointers, and freshman guard Tyrik Edwards dished out a team-high and career-best nine assists.
 
JSU was quick to claim a convincing lead, jumping on the Bison with a 13-2 run. Junior Norbertas Giga scored the first five points on a jumper and a three-pointer from the corner. Cross led Jacksonville State with eight points, going 4-for-7 from the field.
 
At the first media timeout of the opening half, the Gamecocks had a 13-4 advantage and had allowed just one Howard field goal. The defense went on to hold the home team to just 23 first-half points and a 33.3 field goal percentage. The Bison were limited two eight field goals (two from beyond the arc) in the period.
 
Jacksonville State took a 35-23 lead into the locker room at the half. The 12-point advantage is the largest lead the Gamecocks have held at the half against a Division I opponent this season. The previous high was 10 points, accomplished in the opener at Tulsa.
 
Howard gained ground on JSU to open the second period. Through the first 10 minutes, the Bison cut the lead to 48-39. At the second media timeout at 11:45, Howard had out-scored the Gamecocks 16-13. Shortly afterwards, the Bison cut it again to a half-best three points, 51-48. HU starting guard Dalique Mingo scored all 10 of his points during the rally.
 
After a called timeout by head coach Ray Harper, the Gamecocks found their groove and pulled away in the closing minutes. Giga hit back-to-back layups to help JSU back to a healthy lead. The Gamecocks out-scored Howard 37-36 in the closing period and restored its lead back to double digits.
 
The Gamecocks return to action Sunday at USC Upstate at 2 p.m. before taking on Chattanooga in the Scenic City on Dec. 21 to signal the end of a long non-conference road schedule.