LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Jax State defeated New Mexico State 65-59 in the backend of a two-game road trip on Saturday. The Gamecocks swept UTEP and NMSU out west to move into a three-way-tie for first place in the Conference USA standings.

Jax State improves to 13-7 (5-2 CUSA) on the season while the Aggies fall to 14-5 (4-2 CUSA). Jax State has now won its last four conference contests.

Jaron Pierre Jr. scored seven points in the final 2:09 of play to secure his 14th 20-point outing of the season. The New Orleans local finished the night as Jax State's leading scorer.

The first 20 minutes of play was a defensive battle, with both teams shooting below 32 percent from the floor in the first half. Jax State started to hit its stride in the final few minutes, knocking down a three pointer before NMSU answered with a three of its own at the buzzer, leading to a 29-29 halftime tie.

The Gamecocks jumped ahead early in the second half, pushing their lead to as many as five points before the home team reclaimed the lead at the 6:51 mark.

The Gamecocks and Aggies traded buckets over the next three minutes before Jax State took its final lead of the night with 3:55 remaining. Pierre led Jax State with 13 second half points.

In a game that featured nine lead changes and nine ties, Jax State pulled out its 13th victory of the season. The Gamecocks led for just over 21 minutes of play in the road victory.

Quel'Ron House and Mason Nicholson joined the double-digit scoring club on Saturday, adding 11 and 12 points respectively. Jao Ituka finished his evening with eight points behind a pair of three pointers.

Nicholson tallied 11 rebounds to finish with the seventh double double of his career. Michael Houge and Marcellus Brigham Jr. each clocked out with six rebounds.

The Gamecocks lived in the paint, scoring 32 of their 65 points at the basket while just 20 of New Mexico State's points came in the paint.

Jax State was just edged in the rebounding war, 39-38, however the Gamecocks outrebounded the Aggies 18-15 in the second half of play.

House pulled down five rebounds while also leading the team with five assists.

Jax State improves to a 3-2 mark in CUSA road games this season.

The Gamecocks return to Jacksonville for four consecutive home games, beginning on Jan. 30 when FIU travels to The Pete.