Hunter scores season-high 23, Jacksonville State wins 76-65

FLORENCE, Ala. -- Marlon Hunter scored a career-high 23 points, leading four into double-figure scoring as Jacksonville State led all the way to defeat North Alabama 76-65 Saturday, pushing its win streak to four.

Ty Hudson scored 12 points, Jason Burnell 11 with five assists and nine rebounds and Detrick Mostella added 10 points. Hunter shot 7-for-14 from the floor and made 9 of 11 free throws. The Gamecocks (4-3) shot 46 percent, making 28 of 61 from the floor, while holding North Alabama to 19-for-59 shooting, 32 percent.

Jacksonville State had six steals, five blocked shots and took advantage of 14 North Alabama (2-6) turnovers to score 19 points. The Gamecocks outscored the Lions 36-20 in the paint and 14-2 on the fast break.

Jamari Blackmon led North Alabama, in its first Division I season, with 22 points, Kendarius Smith added 12 and Kendall Stafford 10. The Lions, after falling behind 50-30, responded to outscore Jacksonville State 30-17 and came as close as seven twice in the final three minutes.