Mostella, Gregory lift Jacksonville State past UT Martin

Published

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Detrick Mostella scored 21 points and Jamall Gregory made several clutch free throws down the stretch to lead Jacksonville State past UT Martin 88-81 in an Ohio Valley Conference tournament quarterfinal on Thursday night.

Mostella and Gregory's efforts helped the Gamecocks (24-8) overcome a 35-point game by Quintin Dove of the Skyhawks (12-19).

UT Martin, looking for its second upset of the tournament, led 43-33 at halftime before Jacksonville State went on a 26-8 run to open the second half. However, the Gamecocks' 59-51 lead would be their largest of the game until there were two minutes remaining. Gregory made seven consecutive free throws in a three-minute span as the Gamecocks turned a 68-65 lead into an 82-73 advantage with 1:26 remaining.

Third-seeded Jacksonville State moves on to play No. 2 Murray State in the semifinals on Friday night. Top-seeded Belmont plays No. 4 Austin Peay in the other semifinal.