JACKSON, Miss.- The Tigers of Jackson State came into tonight’s match looking to rebound after dropping two straight in SWAC action. An explosive first half helped JSU (4-2 SWAC) clinch the win, 69-57 in front of an enthused home crowd of Tiger fans.
After a slow start, Grant Maxey gave JSU its first 4 points and tied the game at 4-4 with 15:54 in the first half. Jackson State then went on a 17-4 run to take a 21-8 lead with 9:49 left in first half action.
Back to back three pointers by JSU gave the Tigers a 29-10 led with 6:48 left. However, Texas Southern would respond with a 7-1 run to cut the score to 30-17 with 4:48 left in the half.
Sophomore forward, Grant Maxey came out red hot shooting 9-12 from the field and 2-4 from the three point line, as it was an “All Maxey Show”, with 21 first half points.
To open the second half, the Tigers continued their first half dominance extending the lead, 56-38 with 13:50 left in the game.
Again, Texas Southern responded with back to back three pointers to cut the JSU lead to 56-44 with 12:39 left in the game. Both teams went on a dry-spurt as there was only two points in four minutes of action with 7:39 left in action.
Texas Southern did not fold as they came within 9 points with 1:28 left in the game with a huge three point bucket by David Burrell.
Although Texas Southern would extend on a 7-5 run in the last two minutes it would not be an answer for the Tigers as JSU gain its fourth SWAC win this season.
Grant Maxey was the game leading scorer with 28 points, while David Burrell had 17 points for Texas Southern.
The Tigers will play host to Grambling State, Saturday, January 26. Tip-off is set for 5:30 pm on the campus of JSU.
