Jax State defeats Western KY 78-67
Jax State Takes Down Western KY in Conference Showdown
The Pete Mathews Coliseum erupted with energy as Jax State University hosted their conference rivals, Western Kentucky University, in a highly anticipated matchup. The result was a decisive 78-67 victory for the home team, marking a crucial win in the conference standings.
From the opening tip, it was clear that Jax State had the momentum on their side. The home crowd's electric atmosphere translated to a strong defensive performance, which limited Western KY to just 22 points in the first half. Meanwhile, the Jax State offense sparked to life, racking up 38 points and taking an 18-point lead into halftime.
The second half saw Western KY fight back with renewed determination, but Jax State's balanced attack proved too much for them to handle. The home team's top performer, AC Bryant, continued his scorching hot form, netting 23 points on 5-for-7 three-point shooting and a blistering 70.0% field goal percentage.
Bryant's teammate, Mostapha El Moutaouakkil, also played a pivotal role in the win, contributing 17 points, nine rebounds, and one steal off the bench. Emondrek Erkins-Ford chipped in with three assists, eleven points, and five rebounds to complete Jax State's balanced attack.
For Western KY, Armelo Boone led the charge with 18 points on four-for-eleven three-point shooting, but his team struggled to contain the Jax State defense. Teagan Moore also notched a double-double of 17 points and six rebounds, but ultimately fell short in the win column.
The advanced statistics paint an even more comprehensive picture of the game's outcome. Jax State's eFG% of 67.1% and FT Rate of 1.0% suggest they were extremely efficient on both ends of the floor, while Western KY's 36.8% eFG% and 29.2% FT Rate indicate a more inconsistent performance.
The win moves Jax State forward in the conference standings, capping off a pivotal conference showdown that highlights the team's growing strength and resilience. As they look to build on this momentum, one thing is clear: Jax State is a force to be reckoned with in conference play.