JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – Jax State turned the ball over a season-high 31 times in the opening round of the Conference USA tournament on Tuesday, falling to Sam Houston 55-53 in Huntsville. The turnover total from Tuesday's game is seven more than the previous season-high of 24.  
 
Jax State (10-20, 4-14 CUSA) finished its season on a six-game losing skid while the Bearkats (13-16, 6-13 CUSA) advance to the CUSA quarterfinals to face No. 1 Liberty.
 
Sam Houston defeated Jax State in both regular season meetings by a combined 12 points.
 
Elsie Harris matched a season-best with 13 points off the bench for Jax State, knocking down 4-of-8 shots from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. Harris knocked down two of Jax State's three three-point baskets on the morning.
 
Jax State got out in front early, rallying for a 17-13 advantage. Just 10 minutes later, the Gamecocks and Bearkats were tied following 20 minutes of action, finding themselves knotted at 29-all.
 
After holding Sam Houston to a nine-point third quarter, the Gamecocks took a two-point lead into the final frame before Sam Houston outscored Jax State 17-13 in the fourth quarter.
 
Mya Barnes pulled town a team-high 10 rebounds, also adding five points.
 
Four other Gamecocks joined Harris, scoring seven or more points, including Samiyah Steele who added seven points in just 14 minutes of action off the bench.
 
The Gamecocks out-rebounded Sam Houston 33-31, boasting a 24-19 edge on the defensive glass. Despite the loss, Jax State held Sam Houston to shooting figures of 33 percent from the field, 23 percent from three and 57 percent from the charity stripe.
 
Jax State finishes its 2024-25 season with a 10-20 record, posting a 4-14 mark in CUSA play.