(Indianapolis, IN) – No, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks did not shock the world and knock off mighty Louisville, but they were far from embarrassed in their 78-63 NCAA Tournament loss.
They played well enough to earn respect from Louisville head coach Rick Pitino and proudly enough to have something to build on for future seasons in Alabama. Pitino was impressed with JSU.
“They never stopped. We had relentless pressure on them and they never stopped,” said Pitino. “I’m really happy for Ray because he did a terrific job in his first year. They have very good basketball players.”
Juniors Norbertas Giga and Malcolm Drumwright played well and sophomore Christian Cunningham gained valuable experience on the biggest of stages, against a great college basketball team. The Gamecocks will be better for this experience.
Head coach Ray Harper said he was proud of his team’s competitive spirit and how some of the players stepped to the fore.
Senior Greg Tucker did an admirable job on All-ACC guard Donvan Mitchell, holding him to a scoreless first half when JSU was hanging in the contest. The Gamecocks led for the first 13 minutes and trailed at the half 38-31. The final of 78-63 was more than respectable, and I’m told they beat the odds-makers.
Giga scored a career-high 30 points, and he grabbed nine rebounds. Drumwright struggled shooting the ball (but he did score 12 points), but had six assists and only two turnovers against the relentless Louisville pressure. Cunningham had four first half blocks and finished with five.
Harper says Giga put in some extra work on his shot recently and it obviously paid off. Harper and Drumwright believe greater things are in front of the Gamecock program.
Several times it looked like the Gamecocks would be blown out, and yet their team character and hot three-point shooting kept them from a huge deficit.
From picked last in the OVC to playing in the NCAA Tournament, the Gamecocks are ready to become serious contenders in the OVC and on the national stage.
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