Jacksonville State beats UAB for first time, 71-68

Jacksonville State beat UAB 71-68 on Saturday, earning its first win in seven meetings with the in-state rival. Ethan Croley led the Gamecocks with 20 points and 17 rebounds, while Leon Horner added 17; Jacksonville State built a 12-point second-half lead before holding off UAB’s late rally. Justyn Fernandez scored 15 for the Blazers, who had four players reach double figures and cut the deficit to one with three seconds remaining, but Jacksonville State sealed the win at the free-throw line.