NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Jacksonville State men's basketball team dropped its first OVC road game in a 77-60 loss at Belmont on Thursday.
 
The Gamecocks (12-9, 4-2 OVC) saw the game slip away from them in the second half after cutting the Bruins' lead to eight points after trailing by 11 to begin the period. Belmont (12-4, 6-0 OVC) had two score in double-digits to remain the lone undefeated team in the league.
 
Freshman Ashton Spears managed 10 points in just 10 minutes of play, hitting all three of JSU's three-pointers. Junior Norbertas Giga registered his team-best 15th game in double-figures with 10 points, as well. Sophomore Christian Cunningham led the rebounding effort with 12 boards.
 
Bruins' forwards Evan Bradds and Amanze Egekeze combined to score 50 of the home team's 77 points. Both registered double-doubles to become the first duo to accomplish the feat against the Gamecocks this season.
 
The first half was a back-and-forth battle that saw the score tied twice and the lead change five times. The Gamecocks jumped out to an early lead and held the Bruins scoreless for nearly four minutes. JSU extended its lead to a game-high four points, but Belmont began to battle back soon after.
 
The last tie of the game came at the 8:55 mark in the first half at 16-16. The Bruins hit a 7-0 run to put the Gamecocks down 23-16, then followed that up with a 5-0 run to put Jacksonville State down by 10, 28-18. Belmont took an 11-point lead into the half.
 
The Gamecocks continue their road trip to the Music City on Saturday with a 7:30 p.m. matchup at Tennessee State. Live stats, audio and video links will be available on the JSU schedule page at JSUGamecockSports.com.
 
For more information on the JSU men's basketball team, follow the Gamecocks on Twitter (@JSU_MBB). For more on all Gamecocks sports teams, follow the official social media accounts of JSU Athletics on Twitter (@JSUGamecocks), Facebook (Facebook.com/JSUGamecocks), Instagram (@JSUGamecocks) and Snapchat (@JSUGamecocks).