JACKSONVILLE – Jax State fans got their first look at the 2023-24 squad Wednesday night, where the new-look Gamecocks came away with a 78-49 exhibition win over Talladega College.
 
Head Coach Ray Harper's team shot 51-percent from the field and pulled away in the second half. Newcomer KyKy Tandy led the way with 18 points as 11 Gamecocks in total reached the scoring column against the visiting Tornadoes. Tandy split his contributions evenly with nine points in each half; he was joined in double figures overall by returners Marcellus Brigham Jr. (12) and Travis Roberts (10). Junior transfer Quincy Clark finished with nine, while Mason Nicholson record seven in his first action back after an injury forced him out just eight games into last season.
 
Talladega, in its first meeting against the nearby Gamecocks, held tough for the opening 10 minutes. However, down the stretch toward halftime, Jax State used a 9-0 run to break away from an 11-all deadlock. The Gamecocks took their largest lead of the first half into the locker room up 32-18 following a pair of Brigham free throws in the closing seconds.
 
The Gamecocks carried the momentum in the final 20 minutes with a huge second half that began on a 19-5 run. A layup by freshman Alex Odam, who finished with four points and five boards, made it a 51-23 contest and forced a Talladega timeout.
 
Jax State connected on 18 of its 31 shots in the second half (58.1%) and built a 34-points advantage at one stage. Caleb Johnson scored five points while fellow transfers Matt Mayers, Andres Burney and Ivan Reynolds each pitched in four apiece.
 
The Gamecocks officially open the 2023-24 campaign next Tuesday, Nov. 7 hosting Brescia in an 11:30 a.m. Kid's Day game.