JACKSONVILLE – Jax State women's basketball downed Mercer 72-62 Saturday afternoon in Pete Mathews Coliseum in their first home game since Nov. 13.
The Gamecocks (3-5) were led by sophomore
Kyera Thornsbury who set a new career-high with 18 points against the Bears (5-5). Thornsbury shot 6-for-11 from the field and 2-for-5 from three in 26 minutes of action. She also tallied two assists and a rebound.
Thornsbury led what was a group of four total Gamecocks to score double figures.
Brooklyn McDaniel followed Thornsbury with 13 points.
Mya Barnes had a double-double with 12 points and a team-leading 13 rebounds.
Makala Hobdy also added 12 points and tied McDaniel with the team-best three assists.
Jax State's first and fourth quarters propel the Gamecocks past the Bears. In the opening frame, the Gamecocks outscored Mercer 25-19. Meanwhile, in the final 10 minutes of play, Jax State outscored the visitors 21-15.
In the second quarter, Mercer knocked down a three-point basket to give the Bears a 28-27 advantage prior to the quarter's media break. Each team traded baskets, but a McDaniel putback layup put the Gamecocks in front 33-32 to grant the home team the lead heading into halftime.
Thornsbury and
Mina Djurdjevic hit back-to-back threes with around three minutes left in the third quarter to extend the Gamecocks' lead to 48-41. McDaniels later scored a layup to put Jax State up by eight, but a pair of Mercer made shots cut Jax State's advantage to 51-47 heading into the final quarter of action.
Early in the fourth, Mercer got within one thanks to a 7-0 scoring run.
Adriana Jones nailed a three to put the Gamecocks back ahead by four with 6:03 left in the game. With 1:24 left, Thornsbury connected on a layup and a foul shot as the Gamecocks went ahead 67-57. McDaniel put the finishing touches on the game with two free throws with 11 seconds left.
Jax State will face Brewton-Parker on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 6:30 p.m. at home.
To stay up-to-date with the Gamecocks, follow their Facebook (Jacksonville State Women's Basketball), Instagram (@JaxStateWBB), and X (@JaxStateWBB) accounts.
