STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Jax State stormed back from a 12-point second-half deficit to snap Tarleton State's six-game winning streak in a 65-62 last-minute victory over the Texans Monday night.
In addition to ending their overall win streak, the Gamecocks (5-7) handed Tarleton State (8-3) its first home loss since February 18 of last season. Returning to the Lone Star State for the second time this season, Jax State has now won three straight games in the state of Texas after wins over UTSA and Incarnate Word at Thanksgiving.
KyKy Tandy finished with a team-high 16 points, and proved clutch down the stretch. The Hopkinsville, Ky., native, knocked down four-straight free throw attempts in the final three minutes that ultimately handed Jax State its first lead of the night, before regaining the lead for good on a three-pointer from the top of the key with 38 seconds remaining.
Andres Burney joined Tandy in double figures with 13 points, notching a new career-high for the second time in three games.
Juwan Perdue and
Caleb Johnson finished with nine and eight points, respectively, whie both grabbing six rebounds.
Mason Nicholson led the way of the boards with eight rebounds as Jax State won the rebounding battle, 41-29.
The host Texans started hot from behind the arc burying seven of 11 first-half three-pointers to take a 40-31 leading into the locker room. The 40 points matched the most the Gamecocks had allowed in any half this season, but Jax State's top-25 defense showed up in a big way in the second half holding TSU to just 10-of-31 shooting and only 22 points.
Despite the improved defense, Jax State still trailed 54-42 with less than 10 minutes to play when Nicholson sparked the comeback with an old-fashion three-point play when he got fouled mid-dunk. A jumper from Johnson cut it to five at 56-51. With just over three minutes to play, Tandy was sent to the line for the first of back-to-back possessions where he sank two free throws that took Jax State from down three to leading 59-58.
The Texans reclaimed the lead in the final minute with an inside basket that led to Tandy's heroic triple from the top of the key. Jax State finished an impressive 15-for-20 from the stripe with Nicholson and Johnson connecting on clutch attempts in the final seconds when the Texans were forced to foul.
Not leading until 2:45 remained on the game clock, Jax State trailed a total of 36 minutes and 29 seconds before rallying for the late win.
The Gamecocks remain on the road and head to Little Rock, Arkansas, to play the Trojans on Thursday afternoon in the final game before Christmas.
