Jacksonville State University
Morehead State University
Men's, Women's Basketball Hosts Morehead State Saturday
1/27/2017 3:29:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
JACKSONVILLE -- The Jacksonville State men's and women's basketball teams host an OVC double-header Saturday at Pete Mathews Coliseum against Morehead State beginning at 11 a.m. The men's game is set to broadcast nationally on the American Sports Network, followed by the women's matchup with the Eagles at 1:30 p.m.
The men's basketball (13-10, 5-3 OVC) team is coming off a 57-52 loss to Eastern Kentucky on Thursday. Despite a double-double effort from sophomore Christian Cunningham and 12 points from Jacara Cross, the Colonels blocked 13 JSU shots and were led by Nick Mayo's 19-point, seven-block performance.
Morehead State (9-12, 5-3 OVC) come into the matchup tied for second in the OVC East with the Gamecocks, and it is also coming off a Thursday OVC loss. The Eagles fell 76-73 to Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, Tenn. The loss to the Golden Eagles dropped Morehead's road record to 1-9, which bodes for the Gamecocks. Of the 12 OVC teams, six own a 5-3 conference record, and half of them belong to the OVC East. Along with JSU and Morehead State, TTU is also tied for second in the conference with the same record.
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).
Men's Basketball - Game 24
Jacksonville State (13-10, 5-3 OVC) vs. Morehead State (9-12, 5-3 OVC)
January 28, 2017 | 11 a.m. CT
Jacksonville, Ala. | Pete Mathews Coliseum (3,500)
SERIES HISTORY
Last Meeting: February 27, 2016 (L, 82-71)
All-Time Series Record: Morehead State leads 22-9
FOLLOW LIVE
Listen: Gamecock Sports Network (WLJS 91.9 FM, WVOK 97.9 FM)
Watch: OVC Digital Network / American Sports Network
Live Stats: Click Here
GAME NOTES
Jacksonville State / Morehead State
Rick Pietri's ladies will follow the men with a 1:30 p.m. tip-off against the Eagles. MSU (16-5, 6-2) enters the weekend as the second hottest team in the conference behind only unbeaten Belmont (8-0). Saturday's matchup will pit the Eagles' fast offense against the Gamecocks' stingy defense.
JSU (9-11, 2-6 OVC) topped Eastern Kentucky, 54-49, on Wednesday night for its first conference road win of the season. The Gamecocks possess one of the top defenses in the league, and are 7-2 when holding their opposition to below 60 points.
On the scoring side, senior Lacey Buchanon has stepped up to guide Jax State with 13.3 points per game during OVC play. The Jacksonville, Ala., native is coming off back-to-back double-digit games. Tyler Phelion is also up there with 13 points and over eight rebounds per contest. Phelion's joined by Rayven Pearson and Tasha Magruder, filling in for the injured Destany McLin, as inside threats where JSU usually outscores opponents in the paint.
Senior Briana Benson continues to be the focal point for many opponents shooting 41 percent from the field for the season, and 37 percent from long range. The Jonesboro, Ga., product could become the first Gamecock to reach 200 career three-pointers against Morehead State as she sits at 198 for her career.
The meeting Saturday will mark the 29th time the Gamecocks and Eagles have squared off on the hardwoods. MSU holds an 18-10 advantage in the series since the first game in 2002. Morehead swept last year's two games, but JSU took both of the 2015 matchups the season prior. A win for JSU would be the third of the season against a team in the top-five of the league standings.
Women's Basketball - Game 20
Jacksonville State (9-11, 2-6 OVC) vs. Morehead State (16-5, 6-2 OVC)
January 28, 2017 | 1:30 p.m. CT
Jacksonville, Ala. | Pete Mathews Coliseum (3,500)
SERIES HISTORY
Last Meeting: February 27, 2016 (L, 70-66)
All-Time Series Record: Morehead State leads 18-10
FOLLOW LIVE
Listen: Gamecock Sports Network (WLJS 91.9 FM, WVOK 97.9 FM)
Watch: OVC Digital Network
Live Stats: Click Here
GAME NOTES
Jacksonville State / Morehead State
