JACKSON – Jackson State never trailed and routed Alabama A&M 69-51 Thursday evening in Southwestern Athletic Conference action.
 
JSU improves to 15-13 and 11-6 in the SWAC, while AAMU falls to 13-15 and 8-9 in the conference. With the win, JSU Improved its chances to host the first round of the SWAC tournament next Tuesday. A win over Alabama State on Saturday clinches a home court in the first round.
 
Junior Marneisha Hamer put in another dazzling performance. Hamer, a nominee for SWAC Player of the Year, scored a game-high 26 points on 11-of-13 shooting from the field. The Memphis native also added four rebounds and converted 4-of-5 attempts at the free-throw line.
 
Christina Ellis, who is coming off SWAC Player of the Week honors, dropped 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting. The senior handed out four assists and went 4-of-5 at the charity stripe.
 
Senior Chelsea Causey added seven points, grabbed four rebounds and added a block. Junior Kaisah Lucky scored six points on 3-of-4 shooting.
 
The Lady Tigers dominated in front of the rim. JSU out-rebounded AAMU 40-34 and scored 30 points in the paint.
 
The Blue and White's defense caused AAMU into 15 turnovers and held the visitors to 32.3 percent (20-of-62) from the field. Meanwhile, JSU shot 50.9 percent (27-of-53) from the floor.
 
JSU returns to the hardwood Saturday and host Alabama State. The tip is set for 3 p.m. and the 2019 Senior Class will be honored.