MARIANNA, Fla. – Jones College battled No. 8 Gulf Coast State through the first half before the Commodores used a strong second-half performance to pull away for a 66-47 victory Saturday in the Chipola College Classic.
The Bobcats (1-2) held an early advantage and led 14-8 after the opening quarter but Gulf Coast State (4-0) outscored JC by six in the second to send the teams into halftime tied at 24-24.
The Commodores took control after the break, outscoring Jones 42-23 to secure the 19-point victory.
Vanessa Reyes led Gulf Coast State with 21 points off the bench, connecting on 6 of 18 shots from the floor, including three 3-pointers. Lailah Hatcher added 12 points, while Staccey Akomatsri contributed 11.
Gulf Coast State also controlled the glass, finishing with a 51-47 edge, including 23 offensive rebounds.
Ashley Martinez and Na'kenya Terry paced Jones with eight points apiece. Rachael Nyamesah also finished with eight points, while Hannah Jones added seven. Jakera Ducksworth chipped in six points.
Shooting struggles proved costly for the Bobcats, who finished a season-low 27 percent from the field and just 2 of 22 from 3-point range.
Gulf Coast State shot 35 percent from the floor and knocked down six 3-pointers while converting 14 of 21 free throws.
Jones returns to action Friday, Nov. 14, when it faces Panola College in the Pearl River Basketball Classic in Poplarville. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 a.m.
