JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — Mostapha El Moutaouakkil scored 26 points to lead Jacksonville State to a 77-58 victory over Kennesaw State in a Conference USA men’s basketball game Saturday at Pete Mathews Coliseum.

The Gamecocks (13-10) never trailed, building a 37-22 halftime lead and maintaining a double-digit advantage throughout the second half before a crowd of 1,867. El Moutaouakkil was efficient, hitting 10 of 24 shots, including four 3-pointers. Jaye Nash added 19 points for Jacksonville State.

The Owls (14-9) struggled offensively, shooting just 31.7% from the floor and 20.6% from 3-point range. Perry Smith and RJ Johnson each scored 12 points for Kennesaw State, which fell despite forcing 10 turnovers and grabbing 10 offensive rebounds.