Jacksonville State women's basketball (1-1) put together a solid effort on Sunday afternoon but could not get the shots to fall late in their 52-44 setback at Georgia (3-0).
Both defenses shined in that non-conference showdown at Stegeman Coliseum. JSU shot just 14-of-59 (23.7%) and, conversely, held the Lady Bulldog offense to a 36.7% shooting percentage in Athens. However, a big second half helped undefeated UGA to a three-possession triumph.
Shawnta Shaw took over early in the Peach State. The Troy transfer converted a three-pointer and two other field goals in the opening period, tallying eight points and carrying Jax State to an 11-10 lead. JSU built a bit larger of a lead in the second period, thanks to a 6-0 scoring run, but a few late baskets from the home team cut it to a 23-20 halftime advantage.
Georgia's offense woke up in the second half. A 17-point third period handed them a lead they would not relinquish. A 13-0 scoring spurt in the late third and early fourth frames changed it from a 30-26 lead to a 39-30 deficit for the Gamecocks, and it was one they could not recover from. UGA's defense held tight late and the Lady Bulldogs made some key free throws en route to a 52-44 victory.
Imari Martin had a team-high 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, and fifth-year guard Kyra Williams ended up with nine points and two assists. Shaw finished with eight points, all in the first period, and NeKiyah Thompson produced a six-point, two-rebound outing. JSU's top rebounder was Kennedy Gavin, who had eight boards to go along with her two points and one assist.
Jax State had 13 points from the bench but were outscored by a tall Georgia squad 18-8 in the paint. Although they had more points off turnovers than the opposition, JSU had zero fast-break points in Athens, Ga.
Diamond Battles (19 points) and Zoesha Smith (12 points) were UGA's leading scorers. The Lady Bulldogs out-rebounded Jacksonville State 44-34 as well. After shooting sub-25% in the first half, Katie Abrahamson-Henderson's squad hit around 45% of their attempts in the third and fourth periods.
JSU returns to play on Thursday morning in Johnson City, Tenn., in a non-conference matchup at East Tennessee State. That game against the Buccaneers will tip-off at 11 a.m. CT and it will be broadcast on ESPN+ and over the radio on the Gamecock Sports Network.
To stay up-to-date with the Gamecocks, be sure to follow their Facebook (Jacksonville State University Women's Basketball), Twitter (@JSUGamecocksWBB), and Instagram (@JSUGamecocksWBB) accounts.
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