JACKSONVILLE – Madison McCoy's career-high 13 points highlighted Sunday's 84-72 win over Coastal Carolina for Jax State women's basketball. The senior forward was one of three Gamecocks scoring in double figures in the team's biggest victory of the season so far. 
 
Jacksonville State (4-6) opened hot at The Pete, starting out on a 7-2 spurt before the Chanticleers (5-6) settled in. CCU stepped up in a big way, led by Arin Freeman's 12 points, to race out to a 25-18 advantage through one. The second period saw the Red-and-White firing on all cylinders en route to a quick turnaround. A 15-0 scoring run gave the Gamecocks the lead back before a 12-0 run to end the half secured a 47-33 lead at the break. 
 
Both sides battled in the third. Coastal Carolina initially began to claw back, but McCoy caught fire down the stretch, sinking a three and totaling seven points late in the frame to keep the Gamecocks on top, 62-46, heading to the final stanza. Though the Chanticleers erupted for 26 points in the fourth and held Jax State to just 10 attempted field goals, Rick Pietri's squad converted 11 free throws in the last ten minutes to clinch an 84-72 triumph.
 
"We had to demonstrate that we could fight for two halves, and I think we did that," Pietri said. "We got off to a good start in the first couple minutes, then they punched us in the face. In the second, the group we had in really stepped up. At halftime we talked about how we had to want it more in the second half and I think for the most part we did. Our kids deserve a lot of credit for that."
 
McCoy finished with 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists against CCU. Keiara Griffin had 12 points and seven boards and Elsie Harris added 12 points. Bre'Anna Rhodes fouled out with eight points and a game-best eight rebounds. Kristol Ayson and Brooklyn McDaniel scored nine points each in the victory. 
 
"Madison was outstanding," Pietri said. "When we made that run in the second quarter, she was huge in that. She did some really great things for us and made some plays. We don't win this without her. She was the difference in the game."
 
The Gamecocks shot 51% from the field and converted 7-of-16 (43.8%) three-point attempts. They dominated inside as well, logging 42 points in the paint and out-rebounding a tall Chanticleer squad 47-28.
 
Jax State remains at home later this week to continue its non-conference slate against UT Arlington. That matchup, which is part of the CUSA-WAC Scheduling Initiative, will tip-off at 6:30 p.m. in Jacksonville. It will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the Gamecock Sports Network. 
 
"The biggest challenge is the quick turnaround," Pietri said. "We only have a one-day prep, so we need to get some rest and get all the work done in one day. This is a competent group that was in the NCAA Tournament a couple years ago, so we can't assume anything. We have work to do before we head home for the holidays."
 
Links to listen, 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).  

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