TEMPE, AZ. – Jacksonville State fell in a tight first game of the year at Arizona State on Monday night. The Gamecocks played the Big 12 opponent close, but a cold shooting fourth quarter eventually led to Jax State taking a 66-74 loss.
The Gamecocks were led by senior forward
Bre'Anna Rhodes who scored 15 points in the road test.
Mya Barnes and
Samiya Steele were the other two Gamecocks who joined Rhodes in double-figures with 11 points apiece, respectively. Barnes led the Red-and-White in rebounds pulling down seven, followed closely by Rhodes who added six.
After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Sun Devils led the Gamecocks 15-16. Jax State's defense was stout throughout the opening period, holding Arizona State to 33.3% from the field and from three-point range.
The Sun Devils got hot in the second quarter shooting 58.8% from the field and 40% from three. Even with Arizona State's offensive surge, Jax State was able to keep the game tight shooting 47.06% from the field to take a five-point 34-39 deficit into the halftime intermission.
The Jax State offense came alive in the third as the Gamecocks shot 46.15% from the field and 50% from deep. The Sun Devils did not go away either despite the Gamecocks' efforts following the halftime break as they shot 50% from the field, but Jax State held them to 33.3% from three. Jax State held a 60-57 lead heading into the final 10 minutes of regulation following the third.
The Red-and-White went cold in the fourth quarter as they made only 20% of their shots and missed all nine of their attempts from three. Arizona State opened the fourth on a 7-0 run and never looked back to claim the win in the season opener.
Jax State will set their sights on Southern Utah who will take the cross-country trip to Jacksonville for the Gamecocks' home opener on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2:30 p.m. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ and live stats will be available at JaxStateSports.com.
To stay up-to-date with the Gamecocks, follow their Facebook (Jacksonville State Women's Basketball), Instagram (@JaxStateWBB), and X (@JaxStateWBB) accounts.
