JACKSONVILLE – Jax State women's basketball kicked off 2026 with a convincing 75-48 victory over Western Kentucky in the Conference USA opener.
 
The Gamecocks' offense lit it up in the third quarter, outscoring the Hilltoppers 24-10 to extend the lead to 58-36 heading into the final period. The Gamecocks shot an outstanding 9-of-15 from the field and 6-of-7 from three in the third.
 
Mya Barnes and Adriana Jones paved the way for Jax State as they both poured in 19 points. Barnes shot 7-of-14 and 5-of-9 from three while also leading the home team with nine rebounds. Jones shot 6-of-11 and 3-of-6 from three and led the Gamecocks with four assists. Jones also tallied five boards.
 
Brooklyn McDaniel and Kyera Thornsbury joined Barnes and Jones in double-digits. McDaniel scored 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting and pulled down five rebounds. Thornsbury scored 10 points on 4-of-9 from the floor and 2-of-5 from three.
 
The Gamecocks shot 26-of-60 from the floor and 12-of-31 from three. They also made all 11 free throw attempts against the Hilltoppers.
 
After a tight first quarter that saw Jax State lead 14-10, Barnes reached 11 points after back-to-back threes to make it 29-21 at the 4:32 mark in the second. The Gamecocks led 34-26 at the half.
 
Makala Hobdy made a layup and a free throw to make it 69-44 Jax State with 3:34 left in the game. Mina Djurdjevic knocked down a three with 2:57 left, then Thornsbury nailed a three with just under a minute remaining to cap the game off.
 
The 27-point win over Western Kentucky is the highest scoring margin over a Conference USA opponent since the Gamecocks joined the league in the 2022-23 season.'
 
Caleigh-Rose west led WKU with 10 points.
 
Jax State moves on to host Middle Tennessee on Sunday, Jan. 4, at 2:30 p.m. for the second conference game of the season.
 
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