SCSU Bulldogs Hold Off Jacksonville 83-74

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina — Graduate guard Donte Wright poured in a team-high 22 points, while James Richardson chipped in 15 as South Carolina State held off late rally to defeat Jacksonville 83-74 Saturday (Dec. 16th) at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.

"It was a good win for our team," said head coach Murray Garvin. "We had some players out tonight Alex Taylor along with our second leading scorer and rebounder Damani Applewhite, but we came together for a much needed victory."

"Just like what we said before, we play every game for Ty and I love the way our guys banned together through adversity," said Garvin.

The Bulldogs improved to 4-1 at home and captured their second straight win. Sophomore forward Ian Kinard added 11 points and five rebounds, while newcomer senior guard Patrell Rogers a transfer who played his first game tonight chipped in seven points and six rebounds in 17 minutes of play.

South Carolina State led in several categories including rebounds (42-36), and points off the bench (33-27). The Bulldogs closed out the first-half on a layup by sophomore Ozante Fields to take a five-point lead, 38-33 during intermission.

The second-half the Bulldogs opened up their largest margin of the game 13, 49-36 off a jumper by Wright at the 15:15 mark. JU pulled within six, 53-47, when Cody Helgeland nailed a three-pointer with 9:53 remaining.

Solid free-throw shooting down the stretched from Kinard and Rogers seal the 83-74 victory. South Carolina State as a team shot 76.9% (20-of-26) from the charity stripe.

JU was led Jace Hogan with a game-high 24 points and 10 rebounds, while teammate JD Notae added 17 and seven rebounds in the loss.

Next up the Bulldogs hit the road to take on intrastate rival the College of Charleston on Tuesday (Dec. 19th) in a non-conference matchup. Tip-off is 7 p.m.

For more information on South Carolina State Athletics visit www.scsuathletics.com or call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 536-7060.

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