Gamecocks Set for Wednesday Bout with Clemson - Jacksonville State University Athletics

JACKSONVILLE – In the midst of a five-game win streak, the Jacksonville State women's basketball team hosts Atlantic Coast Conference foe Clemson on Wednesday night, in the final non-conference matchup of the year.

It'll mark the first time a deemed "Power-5" women's program has taken the court at Pete Mathews Coliseum since Auburn visited JSU on Jan. 2, 2005. That day, the Tigers walked away with a 71-66 loss to the Gamecocks. Now a new ambush of Tigers make their way to The Pete to meet a program proven unfazed by marquee names. Just two seasons ago head coach Rick Pietri led the Gamecocks to a road win at Alabama, and earlier this season hung with nationally-ranked Florida State in Tallahassee before an 11-point loss which remains the closest margin of victory for the 11-1 Seminoles.

Fans can receive a special $5 general admission ticket at the door Wednesday if they arrive wearing red, otherwise regular ticket options and pricing applies. Tip-off against Clemson is slated for 6 p.m.

"We are really grateful for the opportunity to host a Power-5 opponent," said coach Pietri who picked up his 50th win at JSU over the weekend. "To have Clemson come into Peete Mathews to compete against us is something I know our players have been looking forward to. Clemson is having a fine year so far with their only two losses coming to ranked opponents, so we know we have a tremendous challenge on our hands."

The Gamecocks enter Wednesday's action trailing only Morehead State for the most overall wins by an Ohio Valley Conference school. The Eagles have 10, while JSU sits even with Belmont and Murray State at seven apiece.

"With this being our last non-conference game before the OVC season starts after Christmas, we hope to put forth a strong, competitive effort before our kids take a short break for the holidays."

While it's easy to notice JSU's offensive efforts, led by leading scorer Briana Benson averaging over 14 points per game. The defense is quietly impacting games. JSU leads all OVC teams in scoring defense holding opponents below 60 points on average, and is second with the opposition shooting just 37 percent from the floor. Meanwhile the Gamecocks are shooting over 40 percent this season, and nearly 45 percent overall during their five-game stretch.

Clemson averages 65 points per outing, but has only reached the mark once in its previous four contests. The Tigers' strengths involve forcing double-digit steals each game, and frequently finding their way to the free throw line.

JSU's leading rebounder and shot blocker, Tyler Phelion, will look to continue her strong season, while senior Destany McLin and junior Gretchen Morrison will look to keep a balanced offensive attack.

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Players Mentioned

Briana Benson

Destany McLin

Gretchen Morrison

Tyler Phelion

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