JACKSONVILLE – A pair of Gamecocks scored in double figures and an early lead played big dividends on Friday night as Jacksonville State's women's basketball squad scored a 55-41 triumph over South Carolina State. That win at Pete Mathews Coliseum closes out the team's non-conference schedule and sends them into Conference USA play on a winning streak.
"We've got a lot to work on," head coach
Rick Pietri said. "I thought we started the game great and played a nice first half, but we have a very difficult time putting four quarters together. This is something this team has struggled with all season, and today was no exception."
A hot start on offense propelled the Gamecocks (5-7) to an early advantage. Pietri's squad hit 10 of their 15 field goal attempts and forced seven Lady Bulldog (1-14) turnovers in the opening period, racing out to a 21-6 lead. Jacksonville State led by as many 26 in the second before South Carolina State found some success from long range. Despite that production from the SCSU bench, Jax State still carried a 19-point difference into the locker rooms.
The third quarter was the start of a tale of two halves for the Red-and-White. Jacksonville State made just two shots in the interval and had more turnovers (eight) than points (five), allowing the Lady Bulldogs to cut the deficit to 43-29 going to the final period.
Jaz Spencer added a pair of key threes late to stymie a late comeback attempt by SCSU, solidifying a 55-41 victory.
Brooklyn McDaniel tied for a game-high 12 points, all scored in the first half, with four rebounds, two blocks, and two assists.
Keiara Griffin had 10 points, five boards, and three assists, and
Asia Barclay ended up with six points and 11 rebounds.
The Gamecocks were out-shot 39.6% to 39.0% from the field, but 18 points off 18 turnovers helped immensely in the win. They added 26 points in the paint, 20 bench points, 13 second chance points, and seven fast-break points.
Jax State opens Conference USA play on Jan. 6 at Florida International. That matchup in Miami will tip-off at 12 p.m. CT and it will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the Gamecock Sports Network.
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).
To stay up-to-date with the Gamecocks, follow their Facebook (Jacksonville State Women's Basketball), Instagram (@JaxStateWBB), and X (@JaxStateWBB) accounts.
