Jacksonville State’s men knock off defending Conference USA champion Western Kentucky

Ray Harper capped off his return to his former program and home state with a big win for his Jacksonville State men’s basketball squad.

The Gamecocks scored a 73-67 road victory over defending Conference USA tournament champion Western Kentucky on Thursday, earning their first CUSA victory at EA Diddle Arena.

The win marked Jax State’s first victory over the Hilltoppers, with WKU winning the other five contests.

WKU was projected to finish second in the CUSA in the preseason media poll, while Jax State was projected to finish No. 8.

The Gamecocks outshot WKU 50-30 in the win, with Mason Nicholson providing a spark on both sides of the ball.

The redshirt junior center posted a double-double for the Gamecocks, collecting 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead Jax State in both categories.

Nicholson shot 9-for-13 from the field and added three blocks in the Jax State win.

He was one of five Gamecocks to score in double figures, along with Quel’Ron House (14 points), Jaron Pierre Jr. (12 points (12 points), Jao Ituka (10 points) and Koree Cotton (10 points).

House had a near double-double with nine rebounds to go along with his 12 points, and also added a game-high seven assists.

Enoch Kalambay led Western Kentucky with a game-high 24 points and grabbed five rebounds.

Jax State (9-6, 1-1 CUSA) travels to Middle Tennessee State on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 17.00