Montgomery, Ala. - Ken Evans Jr., Jordan O'Neal, and Chase Adams combined to score 56 of Jackson State's 73 total points as the Tigers knocked off the Alabama State Hornets 73-63 on the road Thursday night at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome on the campus of Alabama State.
Evans had 24 points and five steals to lead the Tigers (6-9, 2-0 SWAC), who had three players score in double figures. O'Neal added 16 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks, and Adams chipped in with 16 points, six assists, and four steals.
Jackson State pulled down 39 rebounds in Thursday's game compared to the Hornets 35, led by 14 boards from Zeke Cook.
Jackson State's defense held Alabama State (7-9, 2-1 SWAC) to only 34.3 percent shooting from the field, including 28.6 percent from beyond the arc. The Tigers also limited Isaiah Range to 4-of-15 shooting in the game. Coming into the game, the Hornets were averaging 72.3 points again but were held to just 63 points in the game.
How It Happened
After jumping out to an 11-10 advantage, Jackson State went on a 16-0 run with 10:20 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Evans, to increase its lead to 27-10. The Tigers then lost some of that lead but still entered halftime with a 38-24 advantage. Jackson State capitalized on eight Alabama State turnovers in the period, turning them into 17 points on the other end of the floor.
Jackson State kept its lead intact before going on a 10-0 run, finished off by O'Neal's jumper, to grow the lead to 58-45 with 7:22 to go in the contest. The Hornets narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Tigers still cruised the rest of the way for the 73-63 win. Jackson State capitalized on 10 Alabama State turnovers in the period, collecting 11 points off those turnovers. The Tigers scored 28 points off the Hornets 18 turnovers for the game.
Game Notes
- The Tigers held the Hornets to only 34.3 percent shooting from the field, which is a season-low for an opponent.
- Jackson State never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
- Evans Jr., O'Neal, and Adams combined to account for 77 percent of the Tigers points.
- Cook had a season-high 14 rebounds, which was a game-high for both teams.
- Evans Jr. has a career-high five steals.
- O'Neal tied his career-high with five blocks.
- Jackson State had a 39-35 edge on the boards in the win.
- The Jackson State defense forced 18 turnovers.
- The Tigers actively affected shots on the defensive end, recording six blocks as a team.
- Evans Jr. led both teams with a game-high 24 points.
Up Next
The Tigers will continue SWAC play as they head north to Huntsville to take on the Bulldogs of Alabama A&M on Saturday afternoon. The game is scheduled for 5 p.m. tip The action can be heard on WJSU and TheSippFM with Rob Jay calling the action.
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