Gamecocks Dominate Paint, Outrebound Blue Raiders in Home Victory
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks improved their season record to an impressive 76-68 against the visiting Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. The Gamecocks' victory was marked by a dominant performance in the paint and on the boards, with a final score that reflected their hard-fought battle on the court.
The Pete Mathews Coliseum witnessed a fierce contest where the home team, Jacksonville State Gamecocks, showcased their tenacity. The Gamecocks outrebounded their opponents with a total of 40 rebounds compared to 34 by the Blue Raiders. This rebounding edge was crucial for second-chance points, where they led with 15 against just six from Middle Tennessee.
Jacksonville State's defense was as formidable as its offense; both teams managed three blocks each, but it was the five steals by the Gamecocks that helped turn defense into offense. Moreover, they capitalized on turnovers better than Middle Tennessee did – scoring seven points off turnovers while preventing any such points for their rivals.
Offensively, Jacksonville State's strategy seemed focused on attacking inside as evidenced by their 38 points in paint versus only 16 from Middle Tennessee. They attempted a massive 52 two-point shots and made good use of free throw opportunities – converting them at an impressive rate of eighty-three percent which contributed significantly to maintaining their lead throughout the game.
While both teams were neck-and-neck with three-point accuracy at thirty-three and forty-one percent respectively, it was Jacksonville State's more balanced attack that prevailed. Their assist-to-turnover ratio stood at an efficient three compared to one point eighty-nine for Middle Tennessee – highlighting better ball control and distribution among players wearing red and white.
The Blue Raiders did put up a strong fight; they matched Jacksonville State's block count and had seventeen assists showcasing good teamwork. However, personal fouls proved costly for them as they racked up twenty compared to thirteen by the home team which may have disrupted their rhythm during critical moments of play.
As fans look ahead after this hard-fought win at home soil in Alabama’s Pete Mathews Coliseum before an enthusiastic crowd of two thousand one hundred sixty-seven spectators; attention now turns towards future contests. The next challenge for Jacksonville State will be away against Florida International Panthers at Ocean Bank Convocation Center located in Miami on February twenty-fourth at six PM Eastern Time broadcasted via ESPN+. Fans are encouraged to tune in online through ESPN+ to follow what promises another exciting matchup for their beloved team.