TABETHA JONES SETS SCHOOL GAME SCORING RECORD - GSU WINS AT OLIVET NAZARENE 75-66

BOURBONNAIS – Illinois - -

Governors State University featured a new school record game-scoring effort by Tabetha Jones to beat Olivet Nazarene University 75-66 on the road to register team victory number 19 on the 2023-24 season.

Jones poured in 37 points to lead the Jaguars (19-5, 13-3 CCAC) to their 9^th road victory of the year. Tabetha hit 13-20 from the field and 11-14 free throws and had 7 rebounds in the win.

Jones' 37 points breaks the school record of 36 points in a game by three Jaguar players: Angelique Cowan 36 at Roosevelt in 2023, 2 OT game, 36 by Amber Brooks in 2018 and 36 by Raven Phillips in 2016.

GSU Head Basketball Coach Tonishea Mack commented on Tabetha Jones record breaking game.

"I am enormously grateful to be a small part of her journey. She has worked extremely hard to get to this point and it is only beneficial that her hard work is paying off with how our team is performing. No one has to tell her how to be successful, or to work hard, that is just who she is. She loves this game and she great at it. People do not see all the work she puts into performing the way that she does and all she cares about is if the team wins. She is one of the most coachable, humble players that I have had the pleasure to coach, and I couldn't be more excited for what she is doing for herself, the team, and our program," said Coach Tmack.

 "The funny part about her career night. After the game I was not excited or happy when I found out she had 38pts. I went up to her and said, " Tab, you missed that easy layup, and those 3 free throws and that could have put you above the scoring record but tying it is good too." We laughed and walked away. I thought the record was 38pts. To come to find out the record was 36pts. We were on the bus on our way to get food, when I got confirmation that she did break it, so I stood up and was like.. "My bad, you now hold the scoring record for most points scored in the game. The bus went insane with cheers and celebrations,"

GSU raced out to a first half lead with a solid second quarter out-scoring the Tigers 23-12 in the quarter led by Jones' 18 first half points (6-8 field goals,6-8 free throws).

The Jaguars defense limited ONU to 9-38 field goals (27%) in the first half and the Tigers only hit 2-13 three pointers (13.3 %).

Zareia Chevre 12 points, 8 rebounds and Da'Naria Washington 10 points, 8 rebounds both scored in double figures for the Jaguars and all-time career assists leader for GSU Angelique Cowan led the way with 6 dimes.

GSU shoots for team win #20, next playing at home Wednesday, Feb. 14, hosting St. Francis, 5 pm in the ARC – 2024 Breast Cancer Awareness game.

Coach Tmack talks about the 2023-2024 Jaguars team.

"We are setting milestones, achievable milestones…. First it was to compete in every game, then it was to get to win 17 for this special team to hold the best WBB record at GSU, now it is to get over win 20 to 21. This team is special. I do not think it is the actual win number 20 that excites them. What excites them is setting the standard for another team to chase. Raising the bar for WBB. This team wants to break and hold all the records as long as they can, so they are trying to set the standard high and that is why this team is special," said Coach Mack.