JACKSON, Miss. – Alabama State defeated Jackson State 31-16 Saturday afternoon at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
 
After the Hornets opened the game with a touchdown, the Tigers responded with a 39-yard field goal from Adrian Salazar to put JSU on the board.
 
Derrick Ponder found Terrell Kennedy III on a 20-yard pitch-and-catch at 4:13 in the second quarter and went into the half trialing ASU 14-10.
 
Ponder later connected with Kennen Young from 10 yards out as time expired in the fourth quarter to add another touchdown.
 
Ponder finished 15-of-30 for 164 yards and two touchdowns.
 
Tyson Alexander rushed for 57 yards on 14 attempts.
 
CJ Holmes picked up an interception and two tackles, while Rashaad Jenkins added seven tackles.
 
JSU returns to action next Saturday at Mississippi Valley State. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.