PINE BLUFF, Ark. --The Jackson State men's basketball team took a 39-36 lead over UAPB into the halftime break and never trailed from there on the way to a 76-63 win over the Golden Lions on the road Monday at the H.O. Clemmons Arena.

Jordan O'Neal had 17 points and two blocks to lead the Tigers (10-14, 6-5 SWAC), who had four players score in double figures. Keionte Cornelius tacked on a career-high 17 points, and Keiveon Hunt chipped in as well with 14 points and two steals.

Jackson State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 13 boards that led to 22 second-chance points, thanks in large part to Treyon Johnson's four offensive rebounds.

In Monday's game, the Tigers forced 15 Arkansas - Pine Bluff (10-14, 5-6 SWAC) turnovers while committing just six themselves. The Tigers turned those takeaways into 16 points on the other end of the floor. Zeke Cook led the way individually with three steals.

How It Happened

After falling behind 3-2, Jackson State went on a 10-0 run with 19:03 left in the first half to take a 12-3 lead. The Tigers then lost some of that lead but still entered halftime with a 39-36 advantage. Jackson State did most of its first-half damage in the paint, scoring 20 of its 39 points close to the basket.

Following intermission, Jackson State kept widening that lead, expanding it to 54-50 before going on a 7-0 run, finished off by Cornelius' jumper, to grow the lead to 61-50 with 7:45 to go in the contest. The Tigers kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 76-63 win. Jackson State made the most of five offensive rebounds to tack on 10 second-chance points out of 37 total in the period.

Game Notes

• Jackson State never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
• Jackson State tallied 15 total assists in the game.
• The Jackson State defense forced 15 turnovers.
• Jackson State turned the ball over six times while dishing out 15 assists.
• Jackson State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
• Jordan O'Neal and Keionte Cornelius led the Tigers with a game-high 17 points each.
• Cornelius scored a career-high 17 points.
• Jackson State got a team-high eight rebounds from Treyon Johnson.
• Evans had a season-high eight assists. 

Up Next
The Tigers will return home and host Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman on February 17 and 19 at the Lee Williams Athletics and Assembly Center. The game against the Rattlers will be on Saturday, Feb. 17. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., and the game can be seen on the JSU Sports Network, with Rob Jay calling the action. 

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