JACKSONVILLE, Ala. -- — Jaron Pierre Jr. scored 14 points as Jacksonville State beat Florida International 71-67 on Thursday night.

Pierre shot 4 for 14 (2 for 7 from 3-point range) and 4 of 6 from the free-throw line for the Gamecocks (14-7, 6-2 Conference USA). Marcellus Brigham Jr. scored 11 points while shooting 4 of 6 from the field and 3 for 3 from the line. Mason Nicholson had 10 points and shot 4 of 5 from the field and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line.

Jayden Brewer finished with 15 points and two steals for the Panthers (7-14, 1-7). Florida International also got 14 points, eight rebounds and three blocks from Vianney Salatchoum. Jonathan Aybar had 10 points. The Panthers prolonged their losing streak to six in a row.

Jacksonville State went into the half leading Florida International 36-34. Brigham scored nine points in the half. Jacksonville State took the lead for good with 2:36 remaining in the second half.

The teams both play Saturday. Jacksonville State hosts Liberty and Florida International visits Kennesaw State.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.