JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — At the conclusion of a tense fourth quarter that saw no lead extend beyond two possessions, Jacksonville State managed to squeak out a 59-54 victory over the Bellarmine University women's basketball team Thursday night in ASUN action in Pete Mathews Coliseum.

With 12 seconds remaining, Bellarmine (7-18, 3-9 ASUN) had an opportunity to tie trailing 57-54 after Jacksonville State (13-10, 6-6) missed the second of two free-throw attempts. The Knights turned the ball over on the ensuing possession after a travel was called as a BU player attempted to set her feet for a potential game-tying 3-point attempt after receiving a handoff.

Kennedy Gavin iced the win by sinking two free throws with five seconds left for Jacksonville State, which has won four of its last five games. Gavin tallied a game-high 17 points for the Gamecocks, who outscored the Knights 19-10 in the fourth quarter.

"Jacksonville State is a tough team," Bellarmine Coach Chancellor Dugan said. "They have fifth-year senior guards and the quickest guards in the league along with (FGCU's Tishara Morehouse). We're freshmen. It's a learning experience. We have to have a little more composure down the stretch."

Bellarmine had four players score in double figures. Seven-time ASUN Freshman of the Week Gracie Merkle registered 16 points, eight rebounds and four blocks for the Knights. Sophomore guard Hayley Harrison supplied 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals, senior forward Sheniqua Coatney notched 11 points and six rebounds, and junior guard Claire Knies chipped in 10 points.

Bellarmine trailed by 10 early in the second quarter before heading into halftime down only 26-24 after Harrison's basket before the buzzer. Knies kick-started a 12-2 run in the third period with a 3-pointer, and Coatney's five straight points to cap the surge propelled the Knights into the lead.

Bellarmine held a 44-40 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Once there, Jacksonville State took the lead for good at 47-46 on a 3-pointer by Imari Martin with 7:48 left, although the Gamecocks' edge never rose above four until a final free throw with five seconds left.

"I thought we did a great job of battling back and getting ourselves into the game," Dugan said. "We've got to lock in on each possession and make sure we're not having those loose possessions like we did."

Bellarmine will play at 2 p.m. (ET) Saturday at Kennesaw State.

"They're long, they've got senior guards — again — and they play tough," Dugan said. "We've got to regroup; we can't hang our heads."

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