JACKSON – The Jackson State women's basketball team opens conference play Saturday at Alabama A&M. The game is set for a 4 p.m. start. The Lady Tigers travel to Alabama State on Monday, with tip set for 5:30 p.m.
 
The Lady Tigers have won three of their past five games. JSU has defeated Spring Hill (105-57) Millsaps (88-38) and Illinois-Chicago (72-57). The two setbacks were against Akron (74-57) and Arkansas (76-57).
 
JSU is expected to lean on junior Marneisha Hamer. The Memphis native is averaging 13.3 points per game and has scored 146 points this season – both team highs.
 
The 6-foot-1 Hamer was also named SWAC Women's Basketball Player of the Week for the performance versus Arkansas. She scored a game-high 21 points along with eight rebounds, one block and one steal. Hamer connected on 66.7 percent of her shots in the contest.
 
Senior Christina Ellis has been the leader in the backcourt. The San Diego native is averaging 11.4 points per game and is shooting 49.5 percent (45-of-91) from the floor. Ellis has also connected on 31-of-43 attempts from the free-throw line.
 
As a team, the Lady Tigers are averaging 61.2 points per game and are shooting 42 percent (262-of-611) from the field.
 
Both games will available on WOAD (103.5 FM/1300 AM) and Rob Jay will have the call.