RUSTON, La. – Jacksonville State women's basketball could not overcome a slow start in Saturday's 67-53 loss at Louisiana Tech. They fought throughout the contest and cut it to a one-possession deficit in the third but could not regain the lead in a tough Conference USA setback.
The Gamecocks (6-10, 1-3) found their groove early at the Thomas Assembly Center, knocking down five of their first six shots before Louisiana Tech (8-11, 2-2) battled back. Some defensive adjustments by the Lady Techsters forced Jax State to commit eight turnovers and go ice cold from the field, resulting in a 16-0 run that gave Tech a 22-10 lead through one. The Red-and-White produced a pair of 6-0 spurts in the second period to cut closer, and a couple three-pointers in the final minute by
Rachel Johnson made it a 33-26 difference at the break.
Foul trouble helped out Jacksonville State in the third as
Jaz Spencer sank six free throws, but a consistent offensive attack continued for Louisiana Tech. Their systematic approach guided them to a 49-41 advantage going into the fourth quarter, and an 18-point output in the final stanza clinched a 67-53 victory.
Johnson ended up with 12 points and three rebounds and
Mya Barnes had 10 points and nine boards. Heflin native
Brooklyn McDaniel was 4-of-4 from the field with eight points and two rebounds as well.
The Gamecocks finished with the same amount of rebounds (30) as a much taller Lady Techster squad, but shot just 17-of-49 (34.7%) from the field and committed 19 turnovers.
Jax State returns home on Wednesday to play host to Middle Tennessee. That matchup with the defending Conference USA champions will tip-off at 6:30 p.m. at Pete Mathews Coliseum and 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 and highlights 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.
