NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Jacksonville State men's basketball team dropped its first Ohio Valley Conference matchup of the season Thursday night, falling 67-60 in a tight contest with the Tigers at Tennessee State.
 
The Gamecocks (11-5, 2-1 OVC) were forced to turn the ball over 16 times, while the Tigers (6-8, 1-2 OVC) were a perfect 16-for-16 from the free-throw line. Jacksonville State was able to tie the game 54-54 with just under five minutes to play, but TSU went on a 13-6 run to close out the final 4:18 of the contest.
 
Despite the seven-point loss, three finished the night with double-digit scoring numbers. Junior Jason Burnell and freshman Cam Martin scored 16 and 11 points, respectively, and set career-high from beyond the arc. Burnell knocked down four 3-balls while Martin pitched in three.
 
Senior Malcolm Drumwright ended the night with 10 points and a team-best six assists.
 
For the first time this season, Jacksonville State went to the locker room with a tied score. The Gamecocks and Tigers were knotted 25-25 at the break following a half that saw the lead change hands seven times.
 
Of JSU's 25 points at the half, 14 came from the bench. Burnell shot 100% and knocked down three of his 3-pointers in the period, leading Gamecock scorers with nine points. The 6-foot-7 junior also totaled a half-best four rebounds.
 
Martin was dominant in the second half, scoring all 11 of his points in the period. The freshman was 4-for-5 shooting, going 3-for-4 from long range, and tallied a half-best four defensive rebounds.  
 
In total, Jacksonville State shot 44.6% and Tennessee State shot 47.9% - nearly eight percent higher than its season average. The Gamecocks won the rebounding battle 33-25.
 
The Gamecocks' road trip continues Saturday, Jan. 6 with a visit to Belmont. Jacksonville State and the Bruins are set to meet at 5 p.m. at Curb Event Center, marking the first matchup between the two teams since last year's OVC Tournament.
 
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).