JONESBORO, Ark. – The Jax State Men's Basketball team suffered its third consecutive loss on Wednesday, as North Dakota State defeated the Gamecocks 56-43 in a neutral site matchup in Arkansas.

AC Bryant opened up the scoring for Jax State with a three-point basket, before Bencao Vungo threw down a dunk on Jax State's first two possessions on offense. The Gamecocks scored on each of their first three trips down the court.

A Marcus Fitzgerald Jr. three-pointer with 10:59 left in the first half gave Jax State a three-point advantage. North Dakota State then ended the first half on a 23-6 run, to take a 35-21 lead into the break.

The Gamecocks outscored the Bison 22-21 in the second half, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.

Jax State knocked down three of its first four shots from the field on Wednesday afternoon before finishing the game shooting just 10-for-46 (21.7%) the rest of the way.

Jacoby Hill and Mostapha El Moutaouakkil led the team, both finishing with nine points. Bryant added seven of his own while Aitor Anabitarte managed six in just five minutes of action.

El Moutaouakkil tallied eight rebounds, while six other Gamecocks finished with three apiece.

Entering the week, Jax State was firing 36.8 percent from three on the season. The Gamecocks shot just 8-for-46 (17.4%) in two games in Jonesboro.

It is the first time since Dec. 9, 2023 against UIC that Jax State did not reach the 50-point mark.

The Gamecocks return to the hardwood on Monday, Dec. 1 when in-state rivals North Alabama come to town. The game against the Lions will be a 6 p.m. tipoff at Pete Mathews Coliseum.