JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Junior
Shane' Jackson delivered a breakout performance Tuesday night as the Georgia Southwestern State University women's basketball team went on the road for an exhibition matchup against NCAA Division I member Jacksonville University, falling 77-56 inside Swisher Gymnasium. The game counted as a regular-season contest for the Dolphins but served as an early-season test for a Hurricanes squad that continued to show growth and resilience against a high-level opponent.
Jackson was nearly unstoppable around the basket, scoring a game-high 21 points on 10-of-12 shooting, flashing footwork, touch, and interior strength in just 17 minutes of action.
Freshman forward
Kassidy Neal controlled the glass throughout the night, pulling down a game-high 14 rebounds — eight of them offensive — while adding eight points and anchoring GSW's presence in the paint.
Hurricanes Settle In After Early Jacksonville Surge
After Jacksonville opened the game with an early run, the Hurricanes responded with one of their best stretches of the night late in the first quarter and into the second. Jackson's energy off the bench, strong defensive rotations, and second-chance opportunities from Neal helped GSW close the gap and stay within striking distance at halftime, trailing just 34-29 after outscoring JU 17-12 in the second quarter.
Junior
Ray'ven Robinson added 13 points and knocked down three triples, while
Madison Brittle chipped in eight points and two rebounds. GSW's bench gave the Hurricanes an offensive spark as well, combining for 25 points on the night.
Jacksonville Pulls Away Late
Jacksonville used a 20-point third quarter and a strong defensive stretch early in the fourth to create separation, capitalizing on turnovers and transition opportunities. Despite the Dolphins' run, the Hurricanes continued to get quality minutes from their young roster, with sophomore
Nini Ovalles hitting a key second-quarter three and
Hannah Simmons securing seven rebounds.
GSW battled to the final horn, finishing with 45 rebounds, 36 points in the paint, and a determined effort that reflected its progress through four early-season games.
Next Up
The Hurricanes return home for Thanksgiving and resume non-conference play on Saturday at 1 p.m. against Auburn Montgomery inside the Storm Dome.
