JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – Jax State took a 12-point advantage into the half, but was unable to withstand a second half Kennesaw State three-point barrage, leading to a 74-70 loss on the final day of the Conference USA regular season on Saturday.

Kennesaw State (18-13, 10-8) connected on 9-of-15 three pointers in the second half of Saturday's game, spoiling Jax State's (20-11, 12-6) chances at clinching a share of the Conference USA regular season championship.

Jax State honored five-year contributor Marcellus Brigham Jr. prior to the contest for senior day. 

Jax State guard Jaron Pierre Jr. started off the game hot on the offensive end, scoring 12 of Jax State's first 15 points of the contest. Behind Pierre, Jax State pushed out to a 17-point lead in the first 11 minutes of the game, holding Kennesaw State to just eight points in that span.

The Owls managed to cut into the Gamecock lead prior to the half, heading into the halftime break down 11. Michael Houge joined Pierre as one of two Gamecocks with double-digit first half points, scoring 11 of his own.

Kennesaw State followed up its less than desirable first half of offense with an impressive offensive output out of the half, turning in a 27-9 run over a nine-minute span in the early going of the second half.

Kennesaw led by 11 points with 5:30 remaining before Jax State mounted a 9-0 run to cut the lead down to two with 2:21 left. Jax State had two looks at the basket while down two points, but were unable to convert.

After knocking down all four free throws in the final 15 seconds, Kennesaw State finished the season sweep of Jax State with a 74-70 win.

Pierre led Jax State with 22 points, his 22nd game with 20+ points this season. Mason Nicholson added 12 while Houge finished with all 11 of his points coming in the first half.

With the Conference USA Men's Basketball Championship bracket set, Jax State will take on the winner of Western Kentucky and FIU at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 at Propst Arena in Huntsville, Ala.