ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jacksonville State led for more than 35 minutes on its way to defeating North Dakota State, 81-71, inside The Pit at the campus of the University of New Mexico on the final day of the Lobo Classic.
 
Senior Demaree King led a quartet of Gamecocks that finished in double figures scoring as the Tulsa, Okla., native poured in 22 for his second-straight 20-point outing. Skyelar Potter followed with 15, ahead of Clarence "Monzy" Jackson (12) and Peyton Daniels with 11. Daniels, who entered the weekend without a double-digit game in his career, posted three such games in a row in Albuquerque.
 
The Bison (1-6) opened a 7-2 lead to start the game, but back-to-back triples from Potter put the Gamecock (3-4) back in front after a few md 23-20 with just over eight minutes to play before halftime when the offenses went cold momentarily. JSU eventually tacked on seven points for a 10-point advantage, while NDSU's scoring drought lasted over seven minutes until the Bison knocked down a trey in the final minute of first-half action.
 
Following its 32-23 halftime lead, the momentum continued to build for JSU with multiple Gamecocks getting in on the action. Sophomore newcomer Mason Nicholson recorded a career-best seven points and didn't miss from the field, while swatting away a pair of Bison shots. Meanwhile, freshman Travis Roberts finished with six points after connected on a pair of outside shots, including one that pushed the lead to 24 at 62-38.
 
Both teams hit 12 three-pointers, but the Bison connected on most of theirs late to trim JSU's margin in the closing minutes.
 
Jax State returns to Jacksonville this week to regroup, but will head on the road again for its next contest at East Tennessee State on Saturday, Dec. 3.