LIVE FROM JACKSONVILLE – GAMECOCKS BOUNCE BACK WITH DOMINANT WIN OVER UTEP
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After a tough loss on Thursday, the Gamecocks responded in style, controlling the game from start to finish in a 73-65 victory over UTEP on Saturday. The win marks their 19th of the season, as they continue their push in Conference USA play.
The Gamecocks (19-9, 11-4 CUSA) led for all but 27 seconds, using an explosive 8-0 run midway through the first half to grab an 11-point lead. Jaron Pierre Jr. was the catalyst, scoring six points during the surge. He drilled a step-back three-pointer at the 12:38 mark, then sank another triple at 10:25, pushing the lead to 24-13.
The Miners (17-10, 7-7 CUSA) fought back with six straight points to cut the deficit to just two with 5:24 left in the half. But Jacksonville State answered with another 8-0 burst, capped off by a near half-court buzzer-beater from Pierre, sending the Gamecocks into the break leading 39-29.
Mason Nicholson sparked that run with a powerful two-handed dunk, injecting energy into the offense. Nicholson was a force in the paint, finishing with 14 points, seven rebounds, and a career-high six blocks.
“We did a better job of making the extra pass and getting it inside to Mason,” said head coach Ray Harper. “We haven’t been doing that enough, so we just have to build on that and continue to get better.”
The momentum carried into the second half as Jacksonville State extended their lead with five quick points, courtesy of a Marcellus Brigham Jr. jumper and yet another Pierre three-pointer at 17:08, making it 44-29.
Pierre delivered a stellar performance, finishing with 23 points and nine rebounds, while Brigham added 11 points.
The Miners struggled early, making just one of their first nine field goal attempts and converting only two of their first six free throw attempts. They failed to capitalize on a brief cold stretch by the Gamecocks, despite forcing three turnovers in a two-minute span.
With 4:16 left, UTEP made a late push, going on a 7-0 run to trim the deficit to nine. Otis Frazier III drilled a clutch three-pointer with 57 seconds left, bringing the Miners within seven, but Jacksonville State held firm to close out the game.
Frazier led all scorers with an impressive double-double, scoring 25 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Michael Hogue was dominant on the boards, pulling in a team-high 11 rebounds.
Despite holding a 27-18 advantage in free throw attempts, UTEP struggled at the line, shooting just 51.9%, including a 47.8% clip in the second half.
Up next, the Gamecocks hit the road to face Liberty on Thursday as they continue their pursuit of a strong finish in C-USA play.
