NASHVILLE – The shots did not fall for Jacksonville State in their ASUN Conference defeat on Saturday afternoon at Lipscomb. The Gamecocks shot just 31.7% from the field and fell 62-55 to the Bisons at Allen Arena.
 
Jax State (9-7, 2-3) suffered their second straight defeat and lost to Lipscomb (10-7, 4-1) for the second time in 16 days. Rick Pietri's squad mounted impressive comebacks and overtook the lead twice in the defeat, but saw their slim advantages quickly go to waste against a stingy Bison team. 
 
Lipscomb raced out to an early lead at home. Thanks to a ten-point first period by senior forward Blythe Pearson, the home team controlled a 16-8 advantage after the opening interval. Their lead grew in the early stages of the second period before the Gamecocks attempted to claw back. Kennedy Gavin started the slow but steady ascent, and a pair of Imari Martin threes helped tremendously as JSU cut it to a two-point difference, 28-26, heading into halftime. 
 
A balanced offensive attack led to success for Lipscomb in the third period. Jacksonville State struck early, taking their first lead of the game in the third period before the opponents battled back. Numerous Bisons found ways to score against Jacksonville State's man-to-man defense. Meanwhile, a tall LU defensive unit closed most scoring opportunities inside, holding the Gamecocks to just four made field goals in the period. Their 46-38 lead would be tested in the final stanza, though. JSU again found consistency on offense, relying heavily on the duo of Gavin and Kyra Williams, as they mounted another comeback. Pietri's team eventually retook the lead at 50-49, but a consequential scoring run by the Bisons put them in front for good. Lipscomb converted several free throws late to solidify their seven-point victory in the Music City. 
 
Gavin posted her fifth double-double of the year, finishing with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Martin ended up with 11 points and two rebounds, while Shawnta Shaw and Williams had nine and eight points respectively. 
 
Jacksonville State's athletic defense tallied seven steals and forced 15 turnovers in the loss. JSU also out-rebounded Lipscomb 41-35 in Nashville. The Gamecocks had more points from turnovers, points in the paint, second-chance points, and points off of fast breaks, but simply did not make enough shots against the Bisons, who went 8-of-20 from deep and converted 18 free throws. 
 
Jax State will try to put this week's decisions in the rearview as they move into next week's home-and-home with ASUN rival Kennesaw State. The Gamecocks travel to Cobb County, Ga., for a road test at 6 p.m. Thursday night. Pietri's women will welcome the Owls to Pete Mathews Coliseum for the return matchup at 4 p.m. Saturday. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the Gamecock Sports Network. 
 
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