FLORENCE, Ala. – The Jacksonville State men's basketball team claimed its fourth consecutive win after taking the first NCAA Division I meeting between JSU and North Alabama,76-65, on Saturday in Flowers Hall on the UNA campus.
The Gamecocks improved to 4-3 on the season, while the Lions dropped to 2-6 overall. The same two clubs will usher in the renovated Pete Mathews Coliseum on Dec. 18 in Jacksonville. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m.
JSU started strong from the opening tip and led the entire contest, including a double digit lead from the 13:16 mark of the opening half until the UNA cut the lead down to nine at 67-58 with 3:24 left in the game. The Gamecocks led by as many as 20 points early in the second half at 50-30 with 17:45 in the second half. The quick start was attributed to a solid shooting performance in the first 20 minutes as JSU put together a 43 percent shooting half (18-of-41). The Gamecock defense limited the Lions to just 27 percent from the field (7-of-27). UNA made a late run in the final three minutes as they got deficit down to three possessions 72-65 before JSU sealed the win at the free throw line.
As a team, the Gamecocks finished shooting 45 percent from the field, while UNA improved to 37 percent from the field in the second half. JSU held UNA to 32 percent shooting for the contest.
Senior guard
Marlon Hunter turned in a career-high 23 points in the win along with six rebounds and two assists in 30 minutes of action. Hunter, from Panama City, Florida, established his new career mark for points at the free throw line late in the contest. His previous high was a 22 point effort against Southeast Missouri last season. Hunter finished 7-of-14 from the field and 9-of-11 from the free throw line.
Hunter was one four Gamecocks in double figures in the scoring column. Junior
Ty Hudson posted 12 points, while
Jason Burnell added 11 points and credited with five assists. Burnell also pulled down a game-high nine rebounds. Senior
Detrick Mostella finished with 10 points in the road win.
Derek St. Hilaire came off the bench for seven points.
UNA's Christian Agnew paced the home squad with 22 points, while Kendarius Smith and Kendall Stafford came off the bench for 12 points and 10 points respectively.
Jax State will be idle until next Saturday when they travel to Dover, Delaware to face Delaware State. Tip off is set for 3 p.m.
