NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — The Jacksonville State Gamecocks survived a furious fourth-quarter rally by the New Orleans Privateers to escape with a 65-62 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at Kiefer Lakefront Arena.

In a contest defined by offensive struggles and missed free throws, Jacksonville State built a commanding 18-point lead heading into the final period, only to see New Orleans storm back with a 28-point fourth quarter that turned a potential blowout into a nail-biter.

The Gamecocks, who improved to 2-3, appeared to be in complete control after three quarters, leading 48-30. However, the winless Privateers, now 0-5, mounted a relentless comeback in the final frame, outscoring Jacksonville State by 18 points and cutting the deficit to a single possession in the closing seconds.

Jacksonville State’s victory was anchored by a dominant performance from its frontcourt. Vitoria Carvalho, a 6-foot-3 center from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds in 26 minutes of action. She was complemented by Mya Barnes of Montgomery, Alabama, who led all scorers with 22 points, adding four rebounds and two blocks.

The Gamecocks’ offense was efficient, if not prolific, scoring 65 points on 69 possessions for an offensive rating of 93.7. They shot 44.4% from the floor, going 24 for 54, and connected on 6 of 24 attempts from beyond the arc. Their biggest struggle came at the free-throw line, where they converted only 11 of 24 attempts.

New Orleans, which scored 62 points on 76 possessions for an offensive rating of 81.1, was led by Shanihya Brown of Chicago. The 5-foot-5 guard poured in 20 points, dished out three assists and recorded three steals, spearheading the late-game charge. Mikayla Johnson of Columbus, Georgia, added 16 points and six rebounds for the Privateers.

The Privateers matched Jacksonville State’s field goal percentage, shooting 24 for 64, but were hampered by poor free-throw shooting of their own, making just 9 of 22 from the line. Both teams struggled with ball security, combining for 33 turnovers, with New Orleans committing 17 and Jacksonville State giving it away 16 times.

The Gamecocks set the tone early, leading 18-10 after the first quarter and 29-24 at halftime. They extended their lead significantly in the third quarter, outscoring the Privateers 19-10 before the dramatic final period.

Other key contributors for Jacksonville State included Maria Sanchez Ponce of Conil de la Frontera, Spain, who tallied nine points, seven rebounds and three assists, and Kyera Thornsbury of Belfry, Kentucky, who distributed a game-high seven assists.

For New Orleans, Lauren Banks of Clinton, Maryland, scored eight points and grabbed four rebounds, while Jayla Kimbrough of Decatur, Georgia, added four points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks.

The game was played in front of an announced crowd of 567. Jacksonville State will continue its season on the road next Friday against UC Davis in Stockton, California. New Orleans returns to action at home against Houston Christian on Wednesday.