Jacksonville State secured a hard-fought 64-60 win over Louisiana Tech at Pete Mathews Coliseum, thanks in large part to a strong performance from Mostapha El Moutaouakkil. The Gamecocks' forward scored 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, leading his team to a crucial non-conference victory. Louisiana Tech's DJ Dudley put up a valiant effort, scoring 25 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack from Jacksonville State.
The Gamecocks took control of the game early, building a 34-27 lead by halftime. AC Bryant chipped in with 15 points, while Emondrek Erkins-Ford added 11, helping to pace Jacksonville State's offense. Louisiana Tech struggled to find its rhythm in the first half, but Dudley's 25 points kept the Bulldogs within striking distance. Avery Thomas II contributed 13 points and 5 rebounds for Louisiana Tech, but the team's inability to contain El Moutaouakkil and the Gamecocks' supporting cast ultimately proved costly.
In the second half, Louisiana Tech made a push to get back in the game, outscoring Jacksonville State 33-30. However, the Gamecocks' lead proved insurmountable, as they held on for the 64-60 win. The victory improves Jacksonville State's record to 10-9, while Louisiana Tech falls to 11-8.
This game was a Quadrant 4 contest for Jacksonville State, making the win a valuable addition to their resume. For Louisiana Tech, the loss falls under Quadrant 3, which is still a respectable outcome but not as beneficial to their tournament chances. The Bulldogs' net ranking of 256 will likely take a hit, while Jacksonville State's net ranking of 225 could see a slight improvement.
The outcome of this game highlights the importance of strong performances from key players. El Moutaouakkil's 18 points and 6 rebounds were instrumental in securing the win for Jacksonville State, while Dudley's 25 points were a reflection of his skill and determination. As the season progresses, these types of performances will become increasingly crucial in shaping the tournament landscape.
With this win, Jacksonville State adds a notable victory to its resume, one that could pay dividends when Selection Sunday arrives. While the Gamecocks still have work to do to bolster their tournament chances, this result demonstrates their ability to compete against solid opponents. For Louisiana Tech, the loss serves as a reminder that there is still much to be accomplished in the second half of the season. As both teams move forward, they want to build on this performance and make a push for the postseason.