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Jax State Notes
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UAB Notes
JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are gearing up for an exciting clash against in-state rivals, the UAB Blazers, this Wednesday night. This much-anticipated matchup follows a thrilling encounter from last season, where the teams battled to a nail-biting overtime finish at UAB’s Bartow Arena, marking their first face-off since 2003.
Jax State (2-1, 0-0 CUSA) vs UAB (3-0, 0-0 AAC)
When: Wednesday, November 20 | 6:30 PM CT
Where: Pete Mathews Coliseum | Jacksonville, AL.
Live Stats: StatBroadcast
Tickets: Click Here
TV: ESPN+ (Mike Parris, Ray Hammett)
Radio: Listen in on the Gamecock Sports Network as Donnie Smith steps in to call his first game featuring the Gamecock Women’s Basketball team. Anchor stations include 91.9 WLJS (Jacksonville), WVOK 97.9 (Anniston/Oxford), WKXX 102.9 (Attalla/Gadsden), 95.5 WRBZ (Montgomery/Wetumpka), 95.3/94.7 WCRL (Oneonta), 97.7 WKXM (Winfield), and 107.1 WRAB (Arab).
Jax State Notes | UAB Notes
Last Time Out
Jax State recently showcased their strength on the court during their second away game of the season on Nov. 15, delivering a commanding victory with a score of 72-41 over South Carolina State. Leading the charge was Valentina Saric, who efficiently tallied 14 points, connecting on 5 of 11 shots and sinking 4 of 8 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, UAB secured an impressive 92-66 home win against Mississippi Valley State on Saturday, Nov. 16, further establishing their early-season dominance.
Series History
The showdown on Nov. 27, 2023, marked the first meeting between the Blazers and Jax State in over a decade, igniting the fierce rivalry once again. Despite a stellar performance from Elsie Harris, who achieved a career-high 23 points, the Blazers triumphed with an 85-78 overtime victory. Historically, UAB leads the series with a 7-2 record against the Gamecocks, with Jax State’s last victory over UAB occurring at home on Dec. 13, 2003, with a score of 73-69. Their initial clash took place on Dec. 2, 1986, where UAB secured a decisive 88-43 win.
Barnes’ Consistency
Mya Barnes has emerged as the rock for Jax State this season, consistently contributing to the team’s efforts. The senior forward maintains an average of 11.3 points per game, never having fallen below double digits in scoring. Her efficiency on the court is reflected in her shooting stats, hitting 50% from the field and an impressive 52.9% from three-point range. Additionally, she contributes significantly on defense, averaging five rebounds, two blocks, and 1.7 steals per game, all while logging around 27.3 minutes of playtime.
Nina Breaks Out
Valentina Saric’s standout performance against South Carolina State propelled her into the limelight, as she secured a team-high 14 points while showcasing her sharp shooting skills, completing 5 of 11 attempts from the field and 4 of 8 from long range. This breakout game elevates Saric’s season average to 7.3 points per game, tying her with Asia Barclay for second on the team.
Big Time Post Players
The frontcourt of Jax State boasts a formidable lineup, with forwards Saric and Barnes joined by senior post players Bre’Anna Rhodes and Barclay, all of whom have been key contributors thus far. During a recent contest against Southern Utah on Nov. 9, Barclay demonstrated her capabilities with 12 points and seven rebounds, reinforcing her value to the team. Rhodes also had a notable performance on Nov. 4 against Arizona State, scoring 15 points and hauling in six rebounds, while averaging 9.3 points per game. Barclay complements this with an average of 7.3 points and five rebounds.
Up Next
Following the rivalry matchup, the Gamecocks will host Sewanee on Monday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Before heading out on the road again, they will face a challenging test against Missouri on Sunday, Dec. 1, set for a 2 p.m. tip-off.
Stay in the Know
To keep up with all the latest news and updates on the Gamecocks, fans can connect through their social media platforms on Facebook (Jacksonville State Women’s Basketball), Instagram (@JaxStateWBB), and X (@JaxStateWBB).
What strategies does Coach Smith plan to implement to improve the Gamecocks’ historical record against UAB?
**Interview with Coach Amanda Smith of the Jacksonville State Gamecocks**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Smith. As you prepare for the upcoming game against UAB, what are your thoughts on the rivalry between the Gamecocks and the Blazers?
**Coach Smith:** Thank you for having me! The rivalry with UAB is one that we take very seriously. Our last matchup ended in an intense overtime, and it was a great game. The energy from both our players and fans makes these games special. Our goal is to build on that excitement and come out with a strong performance on Wednesday.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of performances, your team had a commanding win against South Carolina State last week. What key elements contributed to that decisive victory?
**Coach Smith:** The team really played well together both offensively and defensively. Valentina Saric had a fantastic game leading our scoring with 14 points, and we executed our game plan effectively. Everyone contributed, and the communication on the court was excellent, which is essential for our success. We need to continue that momentum as we face a tough UAB team.
**Interviewer:** Mya Barnes has been a consistent performer for you so far this season. How important is her role going to be against UAB?
**Coach Smith:** Mya has been a cornerstone for us this season. Her ability to score and rebound while maintaining high shooting percentages is crucial. We rely on her to not only lead in scoring but also to inspire our younger players. In a rivalry game like this, her experience will be vital for our team’s composure and execution.
**Interviewer:** Historically, UAB has an advantage in this series, leading 7-2. How do you plan to change that narrative this season?
**Coach Smith:** The past is behind us, but we learn from it. We respect UAB’s past successes, but our focus is on the present. We emphasize preparation and adaptability in our practices. If we can stick to our game plan and stay disciplined, I believe we can turn things around in our favor.
**Interviewer:** What do you want to see from your players when the game starts?
**Coach Smith:** I want to see energy and intensity right from the tip-off. It’s crucial that we come out strong and set the tone early. Our players need to stay focused, communicate, and support each other. If we can do that, we’ll have a great chance of success.
**Interviewer:** Thanks for your insights, Coach. We’re looking forward to an exciting matchup against UAB!
**Coach Smith:** Thank you! We’re excited too and hope to see our fans out there supporting us!
