Gamecocks Edge Out Panthers in a Nail-Biter at Ocean Bank Convocation Center
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks emerged victorious with a tight 77-75 win over the Florida International Panthers. The Gamecocks now stand with an impressive record, while the Panthers' tally shifts following this encounter. The first half saw the Gamecocks trail with 27 points to the Panthers' 36, but a stunning second-half performance, amassing 50 points, secured their triumph.
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks showcased remarkable resilience and tactical acumen in their latest game against the Florida International Panthers. Despite trailing at halftime, they mounted a formidable comeback in the second half to clinch victory by two points. The Gamecocks' offense was fueled by an aggressive approach that yielded 36 points in the paint and capitalized on turnovers to add another 14 points to their tally.
Defensively, Jacksonville State was equally tenacious; they amassed a total of ten steals throughout the game which played a crucial role in disrupting the Panthers' rhythm. Their defensive efforts were complemented by securing 39 rebounds—23 of them defensive—which helped limit second-chance opportunities for their opponents.
On offense, shooting accuracy from beyond the arc proved pivotal for Jacksonville State as they converted six out of eleven three-point attempts—a remarkable 54 percent success rate that kept them within striking distance and eventually pushed them over the edge. Free throws also contributed significantly to their scoreline; hitting 21 out of 30 attempts gave them an essential cushion as they navigated through tense moments.
The Florida International Panthers put up a strong fight themselves; showcasing efficiency inside with a two-point field goal percentage of 66 percent and overall field goal percentage standing at an impressive 51 percent. They also edged out fast break points with fifteen compared to nine from Jacksonville State but fell short on capitalizing turnovers and second-chance scoring opportunities.
As both teams grappled for dominance, there was only one lead change throughout this closely contested match-up which underscores how evenly matched these conference rivals were during this clash.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate another exciting home game for Jacksonville State as they prepare to host UTEP Miners at Pete Mathews Coliseum on February 29th at approximately noon local time (6:00 PM Eastern Time). This upcoming contest will be available for viewing on ESPN+ internet broadcast networks where supporters can follow all live-action as it unfolds.