RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky shot nearly 60 percent in the second half and 52 percent for the game in route to beating Jacksonville State, 92-71, Thursday night at McBrayer Arena. Led by senior Ashley Cazee’s 21 points, six players scored in double figures for the Lady Colonels (9-6, 4-4 OVC).

Cassi Stuart led the Gamecocks (7-11, 4-5 OVC) with a game-high 22 points.

Crystal Jones contributed 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals for EKU. Shavonne Jones and freshman Cherie White each scored 11 points. Jones added a team-best eight rebounds. Niki Avery chipped in with 10 points to go along with six assists and five steals. LaTanya Stokes also scored 10 points and grabbed six boards.

Eastern Kentucky made 19-of-32 (59.4 percent) second half shots and led by 25 points on multiple occasions. The Lady Colonels made 10 of 21 shots from beyond the arc for 47.6 percent.

Cierra Duhart scored 13 points for the Gamecocks. Jolie Efezokhae added eight points and 10 rebounds. JSU shot 40.7 percent (24-of-59) for the game from the field.

Three of EKU’s first four baskets were three-pointers as the Lady Colonels jumped out to an early 14-5 lead. All five starters scored in the opening six minutes. Jacksonville State recovered and answered with an 11-4 run of its own to close the gap to two points. A tip-in by Courtney Chessher capped the run and made it 18-16 with 8:38 remaining in the first half.

Over a two minute span late in the first half the Lady Colonels out-scored JSU 11-1 to pull away. EKU converted four lay-ups during the run. Cazee’s lay-up and free throw put the home team in front by 12, 36-24, with 3:26 to go before intermission. Eastern would take an 11-point lead, 42-31, into the locker room at the break.

The Lady Colonels were aided in the first half by 11 offensive rebounds. Eastern Kentucky held a 21-14 advantage on the boards after the first 20 minutes of play.

Avery opened the second half with a three point and EKU never looked back. A 10-1 run put the game out of reach. Crystal Jones began the run with a lay-up and accounted for five of the 10 points. White capped it with a three-pointer to put the Lady Colonels in front by 21, 61-40, with 13:27 left in the game.

A pair of free throws by Avery with 8:36 showing on the clock made it a 25-point game, 74-49.

The Lady Colonels will be back in action on Saturday when they host Samford University at McBrayer Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.