North Alabama Storms Back to Beat Jacksonville State in Hard-Fought Rivalry Win

And they did it the hard way.
A Second-Half Awakening
Junior guard Canin Jefferson ignited the turnaround, scoring 14 of his 16 points after the break. His energy blended perfectly with the steady force of Donte Bacchus, who poured in 12 second-half points and finished the night with a mighty 19 points and nine rebounds just shy of a double-double.
Forward Corneilous Williams supplied the rest of the muscle, vacuuming up a game-high 13 rebounds and contributing 17 points, giving UNA a powerful interior presence Jacksonville State couldn’t contain.
The win gives North Alabama three victories in its last four meetings with JSU, though the Gamecocks still maintain a 59–38 lead in a rivalry that stretches back to the 1949–50 season.
“They Just Stayed Positive” Coach Tony Pujol
Head coach Tony Pujol sounded almost proud and relieved in his postgame radio interview.
It was great in the huddles. They stayed positive the entire time good or bad.”
His players rewarded that optimism. UNA tightened the screws defensively, holding the Gamecocks to 12-of-35 shooting after halftime and allowing only 3-of-16 from three a stark contrast to the blistering 6-of-9 Jacksonville State hit in the first half.
Gamecocks’ Early Spark Fizzles
Jacksonville State looked dangerous early thanks to Jamar Franklin, who scorched the nets for 13 first-half points and went 4-for-5 from deep. Tulsa transfer Jaye Nash also orchestrated effectively, dealing five of his eight assists before the break.
But the momentum didn’t last.
AC Bryant added 18 points and eight rebounds, showcasing toughness on both ends.
Still, it wasn’t enough to withstand UNA’s counterpunch.
The Moment the Tide Turned
North Alabama grabbed its first lead of the second half when Tank Washington drilled a three-pointer with 10:05 remaining, a shot that seemed to shift the air inside the arena. Jacksonville State answered with a Bryant triple and two free throws from Phenix City native Jacoby Hill, but UNA’s rhythm didn’t break.
Pujol later praised JSU’s identity under coach Ray Harper:
The Lions didn’t just win they proved resilience on the road, steadied themselves after a rocky first half, and showed the kind of collective grit that can carry a team deep into a season.
With momentum building and confidence swelling, North Alabama walks away with more than a rivalry victory they walk away looking dangerous.