JACKSON, Miss. -- Chase Adams knocked down a shot with 21 seconds remaining on the clock to put the Jackson State men's basketball team ahead for good in a 68-67 win against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils at home on Saturday afternoon.
The Tigers (15-16, 11-7 SWAC) had four players score in double figures, led by Ken Evans, who had 19 points and nine rebounds. Jordan O'Neal added 16 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks, and Zeke Cook chipped in as well with 12 points and two steals off the bench. Coltie Young chipped in 10 points for the Tigers.
Jackson State grabbed 38 rebounds in Saturday's game compared to Mississippi Valley State's 23, led by Evans' nine boards. The Tigers also put in work on the offensive glass, turning 17 rebounds into 22 second-chance points.
Jackson State forced 14 Mississippi Valley State turnovers and turned those takeaways into 11 points on the other end of the floor. Cook's two steals led the way for Jackson State.
How It Happened
After falling behind 23-21, Jackson State went on a 7-0 run with 2:45 left in the first half to take a 28-23 lead. The Tigers then lost some of that lead but still entered halftime with a 30-28 advantage. Jackson State did most of its first-half damage in the paint, scoring 18 of its 30 points close to the basket.
Jackson State started tacking on points in the second half almost immediately, going on a 6-0 run, finished off by Evans' layup, to grow the lead to 36-28 with 18:21 to go in the contest. The Delta Devils narrowed the margin somewhat before the game ended, but the Tigers still held on for the 68-67 win. Jackson State took care of business in the paint, recording 24 of its 38 points in the lane.
Game Notes
- Adams' shot, with 21 seconds left, put Jackson State ahead for good.
- The Jackson State bench came alive by scoring 24 points in its scoring output.
- Zeke Cook and Coltie Young came off the bench to score 12 and 10 points, respectively.
- Jackson State had a 38-23 edge on the boards in the win.
- The Jackson State defense forced 14 turnovers.
- Jackson State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 17 offensive boards in the game.
- Ken Evans led the Tigers with 19 points.
- Jackson State got a game-high nine rebounds from Ken Evans.
Up Next
The Tigers will await to see where they will finish in the final SWAC standings and who they will play in the first round of the 2024 Starry SWAC Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments presented by Buick, which will be held at the Bartow Arena located in Downtown Birmingham. Play is scheduled to start on Wednesday, March 13.
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