The streaking Jackson State Tigers continued their winning ways with a decisive 91-76 win over Florida A&M in the SWAC Tournament.
Daeshun Ruffin was the star of the show for Jackson State, scoring an impressive 29 points to lead his team to victory. Ruffin’s performance was complemented by Shannon Grant, who contributed 17 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and blocked four shots.
Keiveon Hunt also made significant contributions with 15 points, helping the Tigers secure a strong lead from the outset.
In the first half, Ruffin’s 12 points helped Jackson State build a commanding 46-31 lead by halftime. The Tigers maintained their momentum throughout the game, outscoring Florida A&M by a margin that would prove insurmountable for the Rattlers.
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Despite the loss, Florida A&M’s Roderick Coffee III had a standout performance, scoring 30 points, dishing out five assists, and making two steals. Jordan Chatman and Milton Matthews also contributed significantly, combining for 18 points. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome Jackson State’s strong offensive display.
With this win, Jackson State moves on to face the winner of the Bethune-Cookman vs. Alcorn State matchup on Friday. The Tigers, seeded second in the tournament, have shown impressive form, particularly in conference play, where they hold a 14-4 record.
Their ability to outperform opponents in turnovers has been a key factor in their success, as they average 12.9 turnovers per game.
The loss ends Florida A&M’s tournament run, but the Rattlers can take pride in their performance throughout the season. They finished with a 14-16 overall record and a 10-8 mark in SWAC play.
As the SWAC Tournament continues, Jackson State’s momentum will be crucial in its pursuit of the championship title. With its current form and strong team performances, it is certainly among the favorites to win it all.
This story was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by HBCU Sports journalists.
