LAS VEGAS - Jackson State had five players score at least 10 points as they defeated the Howard Bison 81-74 at Michelob Ultra Arena Saturday in their first game of the Chris Paul HBCU Challenge presented by the AEA Foundation.

Jordan O'Neal, who had 19 points and two steals, led the Tigers (3-7) with five players scoring double figures. Chase Adams tacked on 15 points, seven assists, and three steals, and Jayme Mitchell helped out with 15 points off the bench.

The Jackson State offense was very productive from beyond the three-arc, knocking down nine three-pointers. Coltie Young was the most prolific shooter for the Tigers, draining four treys in the contest.

The Jackson State defense effectively took away the basketball in the game, forcing 21 Howard turnovers and turning them into 20 points on the other end of the floor. Young's four steals led the way individually for the Tigers.

How It Happened
After falling behind 19-11, Jackson State went on a 7-0 run with 11:31 left in the first half to narrow its deficit to 19-18. Howard answered back and added to its lead, leaving the Tigers down 39-36 entering halftime.

Jackson State narrowed its deficit to 50-49 before going on a 6-0 run, finished off by Young's three, to seize a 55-50 lead with 13:58 to go in the contest. The Tigers kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 81-74 win. Jackson State capitalized on 12 Howard turnovers in the second half, turning them into 13 points off those turnovers.

Game Notes

• The Tigers shot well from beyond the three-point arc, knocking down nine from long range.
• Five Jackson State players scored ten or more points.
• Jackson State had a 38-29 edge on the boards in the win.
• Young and Mitchell made a season-best four 3-pointers. 
• Adams tied a season-high in assists with seven. 
• The Jackson State defense forced 21 turnovers (a season-high).
• The Tigers were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying five blocks as a team.
• Jackson State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 16 offensive boards in the game.
• Jackson State got a game-high nine rebounds from Zeke Cook.
• Tigers tied a season-high in scoring with 81 points. 
• Jackson State had a season-high 13 steals.  

Up Next
The Tigers will stay in Las Vegas, where they will face North Carolina A&T on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. CST; the games will be broadcast live on ESPNU and played at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. 

Season Tickets
Season tickets are now on sale to the public for the 2023–24 men's and women's basketball seasons. Tickets can be purchased online at www.gojsutigers.com/tickets, by phone at 601-979-0845, or in person at the Williams Athletics and Assembly Center Box Office on the JSU campus Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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