Jacksonville St sets Cancun Challenge record with 19 steals

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CANCUN, Mexico (AP) — Jamall Gregory and Derek St. Hilaire each scored 15 points, helping Jacksonville State beat Western Carolina 84-53 on Tuesday in the Cancun Challenge for its first victory of the season.

Gregory also had five steals as Jacksonville State set a Cancun Challenge record with 19 steals, topping VCU's 14 against Vanderbilt in 2008.

Christian Cunningham added 11 points and De'Torrion Ware 10 for Jacksonville State (1-3). The Gamecocks were outrebounded 43-26, but made 52 percent of their shots and attempted 24 free throws.

Jacksonville State ended the first half on an 11-2 run for a 33-24 lead. JSU went on a 29-2 run over a seven-minute second-half stretch to take control with a 64-33 advantage.

Matt Halvorsen made five 3-pointers and scored 17 points for Western Carolina (1-4). Carlos Dotson had 14 points and 10 rebounds, but also turned it over nine times. The Catamounts shot 38 percent, went to the free-throw line just four times and had 36 turnovers.