HUNTSVILLE, TX. – Jacksonville State's women's basketball squad is set to take on Sam Houston at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum on Saturday at 2 p.m. The Gamecocks are coming off a record setting performance at Louisiana Tech even though they fell to the Lady Techsters.
 
Jax State (7-8, 1-3 CUSA) vs Sam Houston (7-8, 0-5 CUSA)
When: Saturday, Jan. 18 | 2:00 P.M.
Where: Bernard G. Coliseum | Huntsville, Tx.
Live Stats: Stat Broadcast
Watch: ESPN+
 
Jax State Notes
 
Last Time Out
Jax State's offense came alive in a 73-80 loss at Louisiana Tech on Thursday, Jan. 16 in their first road conference game of the year. The Gamecocks set a Thomas Assembly Center record making 15 threes. The 15 threes were the most made by a men's or women's team in the 43-year history of the building. Clara Gonzalez Planella led way with 16 points and four threes. Mya Barnes joined Planella in double-digits as she added 13 points and sank three shots from beyond the arc.
 
Series History
The Gamecocks hold a 2-0 all-time record against Sam Houston with both wins coming in close matchups in the 2023-24 season. Jax State won the first time the teams faced in a 58-56 final at Sam Houston on Feb. 8, 2024. The Red-and-White then won in overtime at home against the Bearkats 74-70 to close out last year's regular season.
 
Planella's Return
Prior to Thursday's game against LA Tech, Planella had missed four games due to injury. She returned against the Lady Techsters and made an immediate impact when she entered the game in the second quarter. Planella scored eight of her 16 points in the second period. She shot 50% from three, 40% from three, made all four of her free-throws, grabbed two rebounds, and had an assist against LA Tech.
 
Offense Awakens
After a pair of home games against Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee that saw the Gamecocks struggle scoring, the Gamecocks' offense was on fire scoring the most, 73, they have in CUSA play this season in Louisiana. The offense was particularly on point in the first half against LA Tech. The Red-and-White entered halftime shooting 50% from three and 44.8% from the field. The second quarter saw the Gamecocks knock down seven threes and make 56.3% of their shots.
 
Defensive Mindset
Head coach Rick Pietri's teams have been defensive forces since his arrival at Jax State. This season, the Gamecocks are second in the CUSA in scoring defense giving up only 58.7 points per contest. They also hold opponents to 37.3% shooting from the field, ranking second in the league. The Gamecocks are number one in the conference in opponent three-point percentage as they hold teams to just 23.4% shooting from range.
 
Block Party
Barnes ranks fourth in the CUSA in blocks per game and total number of blocks on the year. Barnes averages 1.7 blocks per game and has 25 total blocks thus far. Middle Tennessee's Anastasiia Boldyreva is first in the league in both categories with 47 total blocks and an average of 2.9 blocks per game.
 
Up Next
Jax State will return home for their next two games following the matchup against Sam Houston. On Thursday, Jan. 23 to face UTEP. The UTEP game was originally scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. tip but has been pushed to a 6 p.m. start. Following the game versus the Miners, Jax State hosts New Mexico State on Saturday, Jan. 25.
 
Stay in the Know
To stay up-to-date with the Gamecocks, follow their Facebook (Jacksonville State Women's Basketball), Instagram (@JaxStateWBB), and X (@JaxStateWBB) accounts.