JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville State men's basketball team earned a 104-45, blowout victory over Carver College on Sunday. The 59-point win is the fifth-largest margin of victory in JSU's Division I history.
 
"This game gave us a good chance to prepare for the conference season," Head Coach Ray Harper said. "We couldn't afford not to have a game today after the game last week was canceled. That would've been too long of a break for these kids not to have some game action.
 
"We were able to play with a few different lineups, and we we're making subs with three or four guys at a time. It gave us the chance to see nearly everyone on the floor in almost every situation."
 
Senior Darian Adams and freshman Semaj Henderson each tallied career highs in the win, totaling 36 points between the two. Adams scored 21, going 7-for-10 with all shots coming from beyond the arc, and Henderson bucketed 15 on 6-for-7 shooting with a 3-pointer and two free throws.
 
The Gamecocks jumped out to a quick 15-0 lead in the first four minutes. Adams hit two 3-pointers and junior Jalen Finch had a trey and layup before the first media timeout. It was the longest run of the game for Jax State.
 
Adams helped the Gamecocks cruise to a 32-point lead at the break with 15 points. The senior was 5-for-6 with all of his shots coming from long range in the first 20 minutes. Finch tallied 10 points on 4-for-4 shooting with one trey and a free throw to give Jax State a 54-22 lead at the half.
 
Of the 14 Gamecocks on roster, 13 saw action in the opening period. Junior Amanze Ngumezi led the bench with eight points in nine minutes in the first.
 
On the defensive end, JSU did not allow the Cougars to score back-to-back baskets the entire first half. Sophomore Juwan Perdue had one block and led the defensive rebounding effort with four while the team totaled 16.
 
Henderson enjoyed a 13-point second half en route to his career-best mark. The newcomer from Chicago Ill., was 5-for-6 from the field with a pair of free throws and a 3-pointer. His 28 minutes of action were the most he has played in a single game this season, topping his previous high of 15 against Tennessee Tech on Dec. 16.
 
It was the third win for Jacksonville State in three seasons over Carver College. The Gamecocks have scored more than 100 points in each meeting.
 
The Gamecocks return to OVC play Wednesday, Dec. 30 when they host UT Martin at 7:30 p.m. Jax State follows up the home game with a trip to SIUE on Jan. 2 at 5 p.m.
 
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