Gamecocks Outpaced by Blue Raiders at Pete Mathews Coliseum
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks faced a challenging contest against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, concluding with a 45-67 defeat. The Gamecocks now stand at 0-1, while the Blue Raiders improve to 1-0.
From the outset, the Gamecocks struggled to find their rhythm, trailing in the first quarter with only 8 points against the Blue Raiders' commanding 23-point performance. Despite an improved offensive effort in subsequent quarters, scoring 10 in the second, 13 in the third and finishing strong with 14 points in the fourth quarter, it was not enough to close down their opponents' lead.
The Jacksonville State team's shooting accuracy was below par; they managed a mere 28 percent from field goals and were particularly challenged beyond the arc with just a 14 percent success rate on three-point attempts. Their free throw performance also left room for improvement at a modest rate of 47 percent.
On defense, both teams were evenly matched with each recording four blocks. However, Jacksonville State edged ahead slightly with six steals over Middle Tennessee's five. In terms of rebounds, both teams fought hard under the basket; however, Middle Tennessee secured more total rebounds at forty-five compared to Jacksonville State's forty-one.
One area where Jacksonville State showed tenacity was on offensive rebounds grabbing eleven against Middle Tennessee's six which translated into five second-chance points. They also capitalized on turnovers better than their opponents scoring eleven points off turnovers thanks to an aggressive defensive stance that forced nine player turnovers from Middle Tennessee.
Despite these efforts and maintaining an assists turnover ratio of one point zero compared to one point eighty-nine for Middle Tennessee – indicative of their ball security – it wasn't enough for them to gain control of this conference game attended by one thousand twenty-four fans who witnessed just one lead change throughout all four quarters.
Looking ahead after this tough home game loss at Pete Mathews Coliseum located at seven hundred N Pelham Road in Jacksonville AL USA - The next challenge for The Gamecocks will be an away game against Liberty Lady Flames scheduled for January twenty-seventh two thousand twenty-four starting two o'clock PM Eastern Time hosted at Liberty Arena situated within Lynchburg VA USA zip code two four five zero two. Fans eager to support can catch live broadcast coverage as The Gamecocks aim for redemption on their upcoming visit.