PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Jayveous McKinnis' thunderous dunk with 29 seconds remaining in regulation proved to be the difference as Jackson State topped Arkansas-Pine Bluff 57-56 Monday evening in Southwestern Athletic Conference action.
 
JSU improved to 11-18 and 8-8 in the SWAC, while UAPB falls to 12-18 and 9-8 in conference action.  With the win, JSU completes the season sweep over the Golden Lions and have earned the tie-breaker regarding seeding in the SWAC tournament.
 
Venjie Wallis finished with a team-high 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting from the field. The junior also handed out five assists and grabbed four rebounds.
 
Chris Howell added 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the floor, while McKinnis dropped 12 points and hauled in 11 boards to complete the double-double.
 
Lemmie Howard scored 11 points and was 3-of-4 from three-point range.
 
The Tigers won the game in front of the basket. JSU outscored UAPB 26-16 in the paint and out-rebounded the Golden Lions 34-25.
 
JSU shot 47.9 percent (23-of-48) from the field and 6-of-15 from beyond the arc.
 
The Tigers return to the hardwood Thursday and host Alabama A&M. JSU concludes its regular season Saturday versus Alabama State.