HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - It's been 298 days since the last time the Lady Tigers squared off on the hardwood with a SWAC opponent. On Saturday afternoon, the Lady Tigers picked back up where they left off last season, defeating Alabama A&M by a final score of 64-56 to open conference play in 2021.

Jackson State controlled the outcome of the game from the opening tip, beginning the contest on an 8-0 run before extending their lead to 12-2 within the first four minutes of action. All five Lady Tiger starters scored at least two points during the first four minutes of play.

Jackson State led 21-12 at the end of the first quarter of action. Alabama A&M did not shy away, as the Lady Bulldogs managed a 16-3 run to pull even at 24-24 midway through the second quarter. 

The remaining five minutes of the quarter saw a shift in momentum back in favor of the Lady Tigers as JSU closed the half on an 11-3 run to take a 34-26 lead into the locker room.

Jackson State continued to build it's lead in the second half, taking a 44-28 lead early into the start of the third quarter. Leading 56-45 with 4:15 remaining in the game, The Lady Bulldogs would go on an 11-5 run to pull within five points with 52-seconds left. The Lady Tigers went on to finish off the win, defeating Alabama A&M 64-56 to open SWAC play.

Three Lady Tigers scored in double-digits with Dayzsha Rogan and Ameshya Williams leading the way with 16 and 14 points, respectively. Rogan had nine rebounds and three steals. 
 
In two matchups last season versus the Lady Bulldogs, Williams tallied a total of 46 points, 28 rebounds, and six blocked shots. Williams once again collected a double-double versus Alabama A&M, finishing the contest with 14 points and 18 rebounds. It was the most rebounds recorded by Williams against Alabama A&M in three games played.

Jariyah Covington, in her first SWAC competition as a Lady Tiger, managed 13 points on the afternoon. 

As a team, JSU shot 21-of-52 for 40.4 percent from the field. The Lady Tigers outrebounded AAMU 46-to-34 and finished with 24 points in the paint. 

Jackson State improves to 2-4 overall on the season, and starts off 1-0 in SWAC play. Jackson State returns to the court on Monday, Jan. 4, for a road matchup at Alabama State. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. in Montgomery, Ala.