JACKSON, Miss. | Jackson State turned up the defensive pressure and used a balanced offensive attack to defeat MUW, 85–70, Monday evening at the Williams Center, securing its first victory of the season.
The Tigers (1–2) forced 29 turnovers and converted those miscues into 34 points, while three players scored in double figures. Jackson State shot 51.7 percent from the field, collected 15 steals and controlled the paint with a 48–24 scoring advantage.
Ne'vaeh Buntley led JSU with 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists, finishing 6-for-11 from the floor and 2-for-3 from beyond the arc. Joi Johnson contributed 12 points, six rebounds and two blocks in just 15 minutes, while Taler Thornton knocked down three 3-pointers and finished with 11 points.
After falling behind 14–5 midway through the opening quarter, Jackson State responded with a 13–2 surge to seize the lead. Cassidy Gladney sparked the rally with a 3-pointer and later sank two free throws to put the Tigers ahead, 18–16. JSU carried a 20–18 advantage into the second quarter.
The Tigers created separation in the second period, outscoring MUW, 23–13. With JSU leading 29–26, Buntley's layup ignited a 14–0 run that stretched the advantage to 43–26. Johnson scored eight points in the quarter, helping Jackson State take a 43–31 lead into halftime.
MUW trimmed the margin to 48–47 with 4:51 remaining in the third quarter, but the Tigers answered again. Laila Grant and Madison Eddings provided baskets before Justine Tchehchoua scored four consecutive points. Thornton capped the quarter with a 3-pointer in the closing seconds, sending JSU into the fourth ahead, 59–49.
Jackson State carried that momentum into the final period, scoring the first 10 points to extend its lead to 69–49. Thornton opened the quarter with another triple, and Buntley added a three-point play as the Tigers regained control. JSU shot 8-for-11 from the floor in the fourth and pushed its advantage to 21 points before closing out the victory.
Gladney and Tchehchoua each supplied nine points off the bench, with Gladney adding four assists and Tchehchoua recording three steals. Rhianna Battles also scored nine points and handed out five assists. Camryn O'Neil directed the offense with a team-high six assists and paced the defense with four steals.
Madison O'Dell led MUW with 22 points.
Inside the Numbers
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Jackson State finished 31-for-60 from the field (51.7 percent) and 7-for-16 from 3-point range (43.8 percent).
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The Tigers recorded 22 assists on 31 made field goals.
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JSU held a 34–16 advantage in points off turnovers and a 48–24 edge in points in the paint.
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Jackson State's bench contributed 33 points.
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The Tigers collected 15 steals and five blocks while winning the rebounding battle, 33–32.
- Eleven JSU players scored in the victory.
Up Next
Jackson State will travel to Southern Miss on Thursday. Tip off is set for 6 p.m.
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