---
"title": "SWAC co-leaders collide: B-CU hosts Jackson State in first-place showdown"
"description": "In a clash of SWAC co-leaders, both riding hot streaks, Bethune-Cookman hosts Jackson State in a battle for first place in the league. What’s on the line Both teams enter 4-1 in conference play (tied for first with Florida A&M), with Bethune-Cookman at 7-11 overall after rallying for an 87-82 overtime road win at Arkansas-Pine […]"
"date": "2026-01-24"
"authors":
  -
    "name": "HBCU Sports"
"url": "https://hbcusports.com/2026/01/24/swac-co-leaders-collide-b-cu-hosts-jackson-state-in-first-place-showdown/"
"categories":
  - "Football"
---

# SWAC co-leaders collide: B-CU hosts Jackson State in first-place showdown

In a clash of SWAC co-leaders, both riding hot streaks, [Bethune-Cookman](https://hbcusports.com/?s=bethune+cookman) hosts Jackson State in a battle for first place in the league.

### What’s on the line

Both teams enter 4-1 in conference play (tied for first with Florida A&M), with Bethune-Cookman at 7-11 overall after rallying for an 87-82 overtime road win at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, while Jackson State sits 5-13 following a 94-89 home victory over Texas Southern. Preseason favorite Bethune-Cookman seeks to hold its top spot, while the Tigers—riding a four-game series win streak—aim for a statement road triumph. [Jackson State guard Daeshun Ruffin](https://gojsutigers.com/sports/mens-basketball) leads the team with 21.6 points and 5.5 assists overall (30.2 points, 9.8 assists in SWAC), including three straight double-doubles, such as a 22-point, 16-assist outing. Jayme Mitchell Jr. adds 12.7 points and 4.1 rebounds, while Dorian McMillian (11.7 points) erupted for a career-high 25 versus Texas Southern.

[![](http://hbcusports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2026/01/jsubcu-750x536.webp)](http://hbcusports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2026/01/jsubcu.webp)
_Photo: JSU Athletics_

### Bethune-Cookman has been hot, too

The Wildcats enter on a roll following back-to-back road victories, capped by an 87-82 overtime comeback against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, where they erased a 17-point deficit with a 22-3 run. Bethune-Cookman shot perfectly from the field in overtime (4-for-4) and sank 8-of-9 free throws to seal it, with senior guard Seneca Willoughby hitting a key three to open the extra period. Projections give the home team a slight 2-5 point edge, fueled by superior offensive efficiency.

### Game information

**When:** Saturday, Jan. 24 **Time:** 4 p.m. EST **Network/Streaming:** ESPNU