RICHMOND, Ky. (AP) — Josh Jones scored a season-high 21 points, including two free throws with 9 seconds remaining, and Eastern Kentucky held off Jacksonville State 64-61 on Thursday night.
The Colonels held their largest lead of the game at 48-37 with 13:03 to play, but the Gamecocks pulled to within 62-61 on a basket by Sean Thurston with 39 seconds remaining.
Jones was fouled on the ensuing possession and made the free throws to secure the win. A desperation 3-point attempt by the Gamecocks’ Stephen Hall was no good as time expired.
Justin Stommes added 13 points for the Colonels (7-8, 2-3 Ohio Valley Conference), who improved to 8-0 at home against the Gamecocks. It was the second straight win for the Colonels.
Nick Murphy scored 20 points, and Hall posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Gamecocks (2-11, 0-4), who have lost nine games in a row.
