LaGrange vs Jacksonville State prediction: Jacksonville State's new transfers get a first look against LaGrange
A lopsided series history makes the scoreboard secondary; Ray Harper's opener is a chance to see whether a team that lived at the line last season can finally make its free throws.
- Jacksonville State should control this one at home; the real story is how Harper's new rotation fits together.
- Watch Jacksonville State's trips to the line: last season's offense drew free throws often but converted them poorly.
- No spread or total has been posted; last season's slow 66.3-possession pace (250th) is the baseline for scoring.
A first look at new pieces
Jacksonville State finished 15-17 last season, and the 2026-27 roster brings in fresh faces. Naas Cunningham arrives from UNLV and Leon Horner from Texas Tech, while Marvin Christie III and Jace Harden are listed as freshmen. Nobody has said who will start.
That makes this home opener at Pete Mathews Coliseum a scouting session as much as a game. Last season's numbers describe a different roster, so treat them as a rough outline of how Harper wants to play, not a forecast.
The free throw puzzle
Last season's Gamecocks attacked the rim and drew contact. Their free throw rate (free throw attempts per field goal attempt) was 42.6%, 18th in Division I. The problem came after the whistle: they made just 68.5% of those free throws, 309th.
Inside the arc wasn't much better, with a 49.1% two-point mark that ranked 304th. The volume could be there, but we know little about LaGrange. Whether the new group converts is worth tracking before conference play.
Defense carried the load
Defense was the strength last season. Jacksonville State allowed 102.5 points per 100 possessions, 53rd nationally, and held opponents to a 47.6% effective field goal percentage (threes count 1.5 times), 42nd. Opponents also made only 31.4% of their threes.
The Gamecocks played at a deliberate tempo and allowed just 68.4 points per game last season.
History points one way
LaGrange, coached by Kendal Wallace, has an unclear program level, with one listing placing it in Division III. The recent meetings have not been close. Jacksonville State won 112-48 on Nov. 4, 2024, and took the 2021 game 110-80. No line has been posted for the upcoming game.
Numbers that matter
| Free throw rate, last season | 42.6% | Jacksonville State ranked 18th nationally at getting to the line. |
|---|---|---|
| Free throw %, last season | 68.5% | That 309th-ranked conversion rate undercut all those trips to the stripe. |
| Opponent eFG%, last season | 47.6% | A 42nd-ranked shooting defense was the backbone of Harper's team. |
| 2024 meeting | 112-48 | Jacksonville State's most recent win over LaGrange was a rout. |
LaGrange vs Jacksonville State: quick answers
When is LaGrange vs Jacksonville State?
Monday, November 2, 2026 at 7:30 PM ET.