JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — In a thrilling basketball contest, Rongie Gordon’s impressive performance led Kennesaw State to a victory over Jacksonville State with a final score of 74-70 on Saturday. Both teams are set to progress to the Conference USA tournament starting Tuesday. Jacksonville State, securing the No. 2 seed, will await the result of a first-round matchup between Western Kentucky and Florida International to determine their quarterfinal opponent on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Kennesaw State will enter the tournament as the No. 4 seed, set to clash with fifth-seeded New Mexico State in a quarterfinal game on Thursday.
Rongie Gordon was a standout for Kennesaw State, racking up 25 points and grabbing eight rebounds. His teammate, Adrian Wooley, contributed significantly with 17 points, shooting 5 of 10 from the floor, including 3 for 6 from beyond the arc, and 4 for 6 from the free-throw line, also pulling down five rebounds. Simeon Cottle added to the effort with 11 points, despite a challenging shooting night, managing 3 of 13 from the field, including 1 for 7 from three-point range, but remained perfect from the line with 4 for 4.
On the other side, the Gamecocks put up a strong fight, led by Jaron Pierre Jr., who tallied 22 points. Mason Nicholson provided solid support with 12 points and seven rebounds. Michael Houge rounded out the scoring with 11 points, accompanied by eight rebounds and two steals.
Kennesaw State found themselves trailing at halftime with a deficit of 41-29, despite Wooley’s 14-point contribution in the first half. However, it was Gordon’s effective 19 points in the second half that spearheaded their comeback, ultimately securing the four-point victory.
