JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville State made it four-straight wins at home to start the season on Saturday when the Gamecocks defeated visiting Little Rock, 72-62.
 
The Gamecocks (6-5) complete the home-and-home sweep of the Trojans (3-8), after a 20-point victory in Arkansas last December.
 
Senior Skyelar Potter led the way offensively with 24 points, his second-straight 20-point performance this week, to set the tone for a short-handed lineup. All nine Gamecocks that saw playing time both scored and collected at least one rebound. Juwan Perdue finished with 11 points and led JSU with seven boards. Potter and freshman Travis Roberts each collected six rebounds. Senior Demaree King, who's career-high came against LR on the road last season, finished with eight points and five boards.
 
Little Rock battled back from an early deficit to even the game at 12-12 midway through the first half. With under seven minutes to play until halftime, the Trojans led 21-19, before a dunk by Perdue evened things up again. The visitors would briefly go back in front with another bucket that ultimately became their finale of the opening frame.
 
JSU held LR scoreless for the final six minutes of the first half and finished on a 9-0 run capped by a three-pointer from King to claim a 30-23 halftime lead.
 
A second-chance layin from Roberts quickly pushed the advantage to double digits following the intermission. The Gamecocks extended the margin to as many as 17 at 50-33 with 12:41 remaining. Fouls began to pile up for both sides down the stretch with 32 combined second-half free throws. JSU responded every time the Trojans pushed to get the deficit into single digits. Potter (6-6) and JJ Platt (5-for-6) helped ice the game at the line in the closing minutes to hang on to the victory over the new Ohio Valley Conference member.
 
Jax State hits the road for South Alabama on Wednesday for the final game before Christmas.