JACKSON – The Jackson State men's basketball returns to the hardwood and open Southwestern Athletic Conference play Saturday at Alabama A&M. Tip is scheduled for 6 p.m. The Tigers conclude their road trip Monday at Alabama State with a 7:30 p.m. scheduled start.
 
Through 13 games this season JSU has used a balanced offensive lineup. Junior Venjie Wallis is averaging a team-high 10.6 points per game. Wallis netted a season-high 21 points in a 70-53 defeat at Boise State earlier this season.
 
Senior Chris Howell is averaging 10.4 points per game and is dominating on the glass with 103 total rebounds, which equates to 7.9 boards per game. Howell scored a season-high 17 points in an 82-72 setback at Central Michigan. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native grabbed a season-high 15 rebounds in the 61-57 win over Miles College.
 
Senior Jontrell Walker has been a key player off the bench and averages 8.7 points per game and is a 73 percent free-throw shooter. Walker dropped a season-high 17 points versus Miles.
 
Freshman and Brandon, Mississippi native Jayveous McKinnis has adjusted well. The 6-foot-7 forward scored a season-high 15 points in the 77-56 win over Fisk, but also grabbed a season-best 11 rebounds in the 69-66 setback at Pepperdine.
 
As a unit, the Tigers are shooting 39 percent (285-of-721) from the field and average 56.5 points per game.
 
Both games will available on WOAD (103.5 FM/1300 AM) and Rob Jay will have the call.