JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — A dominant third-quarter surge propelled the Jacksonville State women’s basketball team to a 57-46 victory over New Mexico State in a Conference USA matchup on Thursday night at Pete Mathews Coliseum.

The Gamecocks, improving to 10-8 overall, outscored the Aggies 21-10 in the decisive third period, turning a narrow four-point halftime lead into a comfortable 15-point advantage entering the final quarter. That stretch proved to be the most important part of the game, as Jacksonville State weathered an early offensive challenge from New Mexico State and seized control with a combination of defensive pressure and timely scoring.

New Mexico State, which fell to 7-12, started brightly, leading 16-13 after the first quarter behind an active start from forward Morane Dossou. The Aggies’ offense then went ice-cold in the second quarter, managing only four points on 2-of-14 shooting. Despite that drought, Jacksonville State could only build a 27-20 halftime lead, hampered by its own shooting struggles.

The Gamecocks found their rhythm after the break. Guard Adriana Jones, a native of Newbern, Alabama, scored nine of her game-high 20 points in the third quarter. Her personal 5-0 run, capped by a three-point play, extended the lead to 42-31 with just over three minutes left in the period. Jacksonville State’s defense simultaneously clamped down, forcing six Aggie turnovers in the quarter and holding them to 4-of-13 from the field.

New Mexico State never recovered. The Aggies mounted a modest 9-0 run late in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 54-46 with 44 seconds remaining, but the Gamecocks secured the win at the free-throw line.

Jones’s 20-point performance led all scorers. Makala Hobdy added 11 points and three assists for Jacksonville State. For New Mexico State, Lucia Yenes of Madrid, Spain, scored 13 points, while Dossou, from Charleville-Mézières, France, finished with 12 points, four blocks and two assists. Imani Warren contributed 11 points.

Both teams struggled offensively overall. Jacksonville State shot just 33.9% from the field and 23.3% from three-point range. New Mexico State was worse, shooting 35.7% overall and a dismal 13.3% from beyond the arc. The Aggies also made only 4 of 10 free throws. Jacksonville State won the game at the line, making 10 of 13 attempts, and by creating extra chances, grabbing 10 offensive rebounds to New Mexico State’s six.

The Gamecocks also won the turnover battle, committing 14 while forcing 11 from the Aggies, leading to a 15-16 edge in points off turnovers. New Mexico State held a significant 34-24 advantage in points in the paint, but it was not enough to overcome their perimeter shooting woes and Jacksonville State’s pivotal third-quarter run.

The announced attendance was 464.

Jacksonville State will next host UTEP on Saturday. New Mexico State continues its road trip at Kennesaw State on Saturday.