JACKSONVILLE, Ala. | A hot-shooting Jacksonville State downed Alabama State 77-69 at Pete Mathews Coliseum Thursday night, ending an eight-game road trip for the Hornets to open the 2017-18 season.
 
Branden Johnson led Alabama State (0-8) with 10 points and seven rebounds – five offensive, connecting on 5-of-8 shots from the floor in the loss. Gene Davis, Tobi Ewuosho and Reginald Gee each added nine points; with Davis knocking down 3-of-5 shots from the floor and dishing out four assists.
 
Terrance LeFlore recorded three steals with three others recording a pair, as the Hornets forced 17 Jacksonville State turnovers.
 
The Hornets shot 35.5 (22-of-62) percent from the floor and 29.4 (5-of-17) percent from beyond the arc. They also shot a season-high 90.9 (20-of-22) percent from the free throw line, with Gee hitting a perfect 6-of-6.
 
Jacksonville State (5-2) finished the night shooting 53.6 (30-of-56) percent from the floor and 23.5 (4-of-17) percent from beyond the arc to hold off a late Alabama State charge.
 
Christian Cunningham led the Gamecocks with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Cam Martin added 12.
 
Alabama State returns to action December 12, playing their first home game of the season against Tennessee State at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.
 
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