LYNCHBURG, Va. – In a battle for first place, Jax State fell 59-55 to Liberty on Thursday night in Lynchburg. The Gamecocks trailed by as many as 21 points in the second half before rallying back late and bringing the deficit within three.

The Gamecocks (19-10, 10-5) trailed 31-16 at the half before out-scoring the Flames (23-5, 11-4) 39-28 the rest of the way.

Jax State's first half total of 16 points is the fewest scored by the Gamecocks in a half this season, lowering the total from 23, set in the first half against New Mexico State last Thursday.

Liberty held Jax State to just 27 percent (7-of-26) shooting from the floor and a 17 percent (2-of-12) mark from three. The Gamecocks did not attempt a free throw in the first half.

The Gamecocks pulled within three points with just 24 seconds remaining in the contest courtesy of a Mason Nicholson put back layup, but ran out of time, splitting the season series with the Flames.

Jao Ituka led the Gamecocks with 14 points, all coming in the second half while Jaron Pierre Jr. added 13 points of his own.

Jax State outrebounded Liberty 35-33 while the Flames held a 28-26 advantage with points in the paint.

Mason Nicholson led Jax State with 10 rebounds, also adding eight points while Koree Cotton led the Gamecocks with four assists.

Jax State travels to Miami for a contest against the last place FIU Panthers on Saturday at 1 p.m. central time.