JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — In a competitive matchup on Saturday evening, Jaron Pierre Jr. showcased a remarkable performance with 23 points, leading Jacksonville State to a 73-65 victory over the UTEP Miners.
The Gamecocks, now with a record of 19-9 and 11-4 in Conference USA, benefited not only from Pierre’s scoring but also from Mason Nicholson’s strong all-around game, which included 14 points, seven rebounds, and six blocks. Another contributor was Marcellus Brigham Jr., who shot 50% from the field, netting 11 points to further support the team’s effort.
On the other side of the court, UTEP (17-10, 7-7) saw Otis Frazier III leading the charge with an impressive stat line of 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five steals. David Terrell Jr. also made his presence felt, contributing nine points, along with seven rebounds and four assists. Kevin Kalu rounded out the scoring with nine points and provided additional defensive support with six rebounds and three blocks.
The Gamecocks seized control of the game with 17:17 remaining in the first half and maintained this advantage throughout the matchup. Pierre’s strong first-half performance was pivotal as he scored 16 of his 23 points during this period, helping Jacksonville State to a solid 39-29 lead at halftime. Although they were outscored in the second half by a narrow two-point margin, the Gamecocks held on for the win, aided by Nicholson, who led the team with eight points in the second half.