COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Jacksonville State shot a blistering 53 percent from long range Saturday night, using that deadly accuracy to claim a 70-54 Ohio Valley Conference victory over Tennessee Tech in Eblen Center.
Jacksonville State (16-7/7-4 OVC) was led by Briana Benson's 20 points, and a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds from Destany McLin to win its fourth straight game. Candice Morton also scored in double figures with 12 points.
The Golden Eagles (5-19/2-9 OVC) had a double-double from Samaria Howard with 16 points and 12 rebounds, but she was the lone player to score in double digits for Tech.
While JSU hit 49 percent (25-for-51) from the field and 9-for-17 from long range, the Golden Eagles connected on just 35.7 percent (20-for-56) from the floor. The Golden Eagles finished 4-for-8 from long range.
The Gamecocks had the range quickly in the first half, going 5-for-7 from outside the arc to repel a comeback effort by the Golden Eagles.
After building a 10-point lead, 21-11, in the first 10 minutes, Jacksonville State watched as the Golden Eagles sliced the margin down to three points, 22-19 with an 8-1 run. Briana Benson hit a crucial 3-pointer followed by a layup, and Phelion Tyler and Destany McClin also scored on jumpers and the lead grew back to 10 points at 34-24. The Gamecocks owned a 34-26 lead at halftime after shooting 52 percent from the field and 71.4 percent from long range in the first 20 minutes.
Tech crept back into the contest early in the second half, outscoring JSU 8-4 to pull within three points on a jumper by Howard. Tech was still within three, 40-37, when Catherine Taylor hit a runner with 15:23 to play.
That's when the Gamecocks took control, using a pair of 3-pointers by Benson to key a 13-0 run for a 53-37 lead with 9:04 remaining.
The JSU lead stayed in double figures throughout the final nine minutes, expanding to its largest point at 70-48 with 44 seconds left.
The Golden Eagles are home for just two more dates this season, the first coming up Thursday afternoon against Tennessee State with an earlier start than usual. Tipoff is at 4:15 p.m. against the Tigers, with the men's game slated to follow at 7 p.m. in an OVC doubleheader.
That night is Gold Rush, with fans encouraged to wear gold to the game and the first 1,500 fans into the arena will receive a free Gold Rush t-shirt.
