Sam Houston State dominated Jacksonville State from start to finish, securing a convincing 77-62 victory at Pete Mathews Coliseum. The Bearkats' strong performance was led by Veljko Ilic, who posted an impressive 18 points and 7 rebounds. This win marked a significant Quad 3 victory for Sam Houston State, bolstering their tournament resume.
The Bearkats set the tone early, taking a 12-point lead into halftime with a 34-22 advantage. Jacksonville State's Mostapha El Moutaouakkil tried to keep his team in the game, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bearkats' balanced attack. Sam Houston State's Damon Nicholas Jr. and Justin Begg also made significant contributions, scoring 11 points each and helping to stretch the lead in the second half.
As the game progressed, Sam Houston State's lead continued to grow, with the Bearkats outscoring Jacksonville State 43-40 in the second half. The Gamecocks' AC Bryant added 14 points, while Emondrek Erkins-Ford chipped in with 9 points, but their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by the Bearkats' strong team performance.
This Quad 3 win is a notable addition to Sam Houston State's resume, as they look to strengthen their tournament chances. With a current net ranking of 100, the Bearkats are well-positioned to make a push for a postseason berth. On the other hand, Jacksonville State's loss drops them to 10-9 on the season, with a net ranking of 225. While this was also a Quad 3 game for the Gamecocks, the loss may hinder their chances of making a late-season surge.
The Bearkats' ability to control the game from start to finish was a reflection of their strength and depth. Veljko Ilic's standout performance was a key factor in the win, and his contributions matters as Sam Houston State navigates the remainder of their schedule. With this impressive victory, the Bearkats have taken a significant step forward in their pursuit of a tournament bid.
As the season enters its critical stretch, Sam Houston State's win over Jacksonville State serves as a notable boost to their resume. The Bearkats want to build on this momentum, while the Gamecocks will aim to regroup and refocus in their quest for a strong finish to the season. For now, Sam Houston State's 77-62 victory stands as a significant achievement, one that underscores their potential as a tournament contender.