Box Score

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – Eastern Kentucky University's women's basketball team fell on the road at first-place Jacksonville State, 64-51, on Thursday night in Jacksonville.
 
Jayla Johnson led the way with a game-high 13 points. Ariel Kirkwood chipped in nine points and five rebounds off the bench. Bria Bass had nine points and 10 rebounds.
 
The two squads traded baskets for much of the first half. The Colonels retook the lead in the first quarter after a steal and layup the other way from freshman Brie Crittendon to take a 5-4 lead over the Gamecocks with 4:27 left in the opening quarter.
 
EKU took the lead going into the second quarter leading, 11-10.
 
Kirkwood knocked down a three-pointer with 33 seconds remaining in the first half to tie the game at 24-24. Jacksonville State answered back with a three-pointer of its own from Kiana Johnson with 28 seconds left to retake the lead, 27-24, right before half.
 
The Gamecocks opened the second half on a 7-2 run capped off by a Johnson jumper to take a 34-26 lead and never looked back against the Colonels. JSU took a 14-point lead, 49-35, with 38 seconds remaining but a Kayra Freeman floater with nine seconds left cut the lead back to 12 heading into the final quarter.
 
The Colonels shot 33 percent from the field. Jacksonville State shot 36 percent from the field.
 
The Colonels wrap up the regular season on Saturday at home against in-state foe Bellarmine University for Senior Day. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.