Published: February 29, 2008 12:09 am         

No. 5 Cougars breeze by Allen

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Mountain State University closed out the 2008 regular season with an 85-49 victory over Allen Thursday night at the John Hurst-Adams Gymnatorium.

South Carolina native Jarvis Jackson led the Cougar assault with 21 points and Ricky Jackson added 15 as MSU improved to 28-2 on the season.

Leading 35-23 at the break, MSU exploded out of the gates in the second half and poured it on to win with ease.

“I thought in the second half we played with a lot of energy,” MSU coach Bob Bolen said. “We got into our running game and played our style. I thought we played a real good, complete second half.”

Three other Cougars scored in double figures on the night, including Jason McGriff (13), Adron Marshall (12) and Ermin Tarcin (10), who started for Tyrice Watkins, who didn’t make the trip with an inflamed knee.

It was a Jackson night for MSU.

In addition to 21 points, Jarvis Jackson had eight assists.

“They were really trying to deny our wings,” Bolen said, noting James Spencer was held to a season-low five points. “Jarvis was able to find some openings and get to the basket. I thought he played a solid game all the way around.”

Bolen also credited Ricky Jackson, who came off the bench for 15.

“He came in and was active immediately,” Bolen said. “I thought he ran the floor well and gave us a lot of energy.”

Hiram Carolina and James Demetrius had 12 points each to lead Allen (4-25).

MSU, No. 5 in the latest NAIA poll, will prepare for the Independent Region Tournament at Claflin College in Orangeburg, S.C. The Cougars have a bye in the first round before hitting the court at 4:30 p.m. March 8.