JACKSONVILLE – One of the oldest southern rivalries returns to Pete Mathews Coliseum on Friday when Jacksonville State hosts North Alabama to open ASUN Conference play.
 
The Gamecocks (7-6) officially begin their quest to repeat as ASUN champions after their title run last season during its debut season in the league. This time around, Jax State is on its way out as it prepares to join Conference USA in 2023.
 
North Alabama (8-5) enters on a two-game winning streak, including a 66-65 upset at Ole Miss on Dec. 20. The Gamecocks defeated Georgia Southwestern on Tuesday night to wrap up non-conference play for the season. Friday's meeting is the 94th all-time between the two schools, but only the fifth since UNA joined JSU at the Division I level. Jax State has won the previous four meetings, including last season's ASUN opener in Florence. JSU leads the overall series 58-35 according to school records dating back to 1950.
 
JSU's Demaree King and Skyelar Potter each average above 15 points per game to lead the Gamecocks. King is coming off a 30-point night against GSW, bringing his team best scoring average to 16. UNA's Daniel Ortiz leads the Lions with 13.2 points, just ahead of teammate KJ Johnson scoring just under 12 per game.
 
The opening league game of the season pit two similar squads against one another. JSU and UNA average within 2.1 points, 1.3 rebounds and 0.5 blocks from each other as a team through the first 13 games.
 
Friday's tip-off is set for 6 p.m. from Pete Mathews Coliseum. For fans unable to make it in person, JSU's contest stream on ESPN+ with live stats and audio links available on JSUGamecockSports.com.
 
Under Ray Harper, the Gamecocks have yet to lose a conference opener, and have won their last seven overall dating back to the 2015-16 season.