Jackson State set to visit Mississippi State

Jackson State is scheduled to play Mississippi State at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville, the first of three nonconference games against Mississippi teams on the Tigers’ schedule. The game is listed for SEC Network+.

The Tigers (1-1) come into the matchup after an 87-85 road win over Tulane on Thursday, Nov. 5. The source described it as Jackson State’s first win over the Green Wave in 34 years. Mississippi State (2-0) has opened with victories over Tennessee Tech and Northwestern State.

Jackson State had five players score in double figures against Tulane: Dorian McMillian, Mike Williams, Daeshun Ruffin, Nikk Williams and AT Manyuon. McMillian and Mike Williams each scored more than 20 points. The victory was the first career win for coach Trey Johnson, according to the team’s preview.

Monday’s game features two Bailey Howell Trophy finalists from last season: Ruffin of Jackson State and Josh Hubbard of Mississippi State. Jackson State said Ruffin received an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA after finishing among the nation’s top five in scoring last season. Johnson, the preview noted, was the last Jackson State player to win the award.

Mississippi State has won all seven previous meetings between the programs, including five in Starkville. The teams have played twice in Jackson. The Bulldogs were ranked in the top 25 for two of the meetings, at No. 22 in 2002 and No. 17 in 2022.

Jackson State’s remaining scheduled nonconference games against in-state opponents are at Southern Miss on Nov. 11 and against Ole Miss on Dec. 29. The Tigers are also scheduled to play Baylor on Nov. 18 and Memphis on Dec. 2, with both games listed for 11 a.m. and ESPN+.

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