MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Bre'Anna Rhodes finished with a career-high 20 points and two other Gamecocks scored in double figures as Jacksonville State women's basketball tallied a 74-53 victory at Alabama State on Thursday night. The win serves as the team's first road win of 2022-23, the program's first triumph at ASU, and head coach Rick Pietri's first victory at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome. 
 
"It feels good to win here because I've had some nightmares in this place," Pietri said. "It does feel good to finally get one here, I have to be honest."
 
After going on several lengthy scoring runs on Monday at UAB, the visitors from Calhoun County continued that trend in the first period in Montgomery. After a pair of field goals gave Alabama State (0-7) an early advantage, Jax State (3-4) went on a 15-0 run to take the lead, staying in front 18-9 at the end of one. The two sides traded baskets in the second. Rhodes heated up for the Gamecocks, scoring seven in the interval, but a trio of treys by ASU kept it a single-digit difference at the break, 30-21. 
 
Rachel Johnson caught fire in the third for Jacksonville State. The graduate transfer knocked down three three-pointers, totaling 11 points in the period and guiding her squad to a 22-point frame. That explosion built a 52-34 lead going into the final stanza. In the fourth, the Gamecocks added 22 more for good measure and pulled away for a 74-53 decision.
 
"For the most part, our kids adhered to the defensive game plan and defended their posts well," Pietri said. "We hit some shots and took advantage of some things. Overall, I thought we played pretty well and I'm pleased with the effort."
 
Rhodes was 7-of-13 from the field and 6-of-8 from the line, adding seven rebounds and an assist in the win. Keiara Griffin had 12 points and five boards and Rachel Johnson ended up with a season-high 11 points.
 
"Bre had a great game," Pietri said. "She took advantage of opportunities that were given to her, and we found her in the right spots. It was a great showing for her in her hometown and I'm proud of her."
 
Jax State shot 51.9% from the field, knocked down half of their three-point attempts, and out-rebounded Alabama State 33-25. They scored 24 points off 23 Lady Hornet turnovers and posted 34 points in the paint. 
 
The Gamecocks resume their trip across the Yellowhammer State this weekend with a Sunday matinee at Samford. That non-conference test in Homewood will tip-off at 2 p.m. and it will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the Gamecock Sports Network. 
 
"Samford plays a different style, so we have to prepare for that," Pietri said. "As long as we continue to figure out the preparation and understand our assignments, I think we can keep getting better. I feel good about where we're headed right now."
 
Links to watch or follow along with live stats for that game will be provided at JaxStateSports.com. In addition, score updates will be posted on Jax State Women's Basketball's X account (@JaxStateWBB).  
 
To stay up-to-date with the Gamecocks, follow their Facebook (Jacksonville State Women's Basketball), Instagram (@JaxStateWBB), and X (@JaxStateWBB) accounts.