Daeshun Ruffin scores 1,000th point to lead Jackson State past Prairie View A&M

Jackson, Miss. — Daeshun Ruffin reached a career milestone Saturday night, scoring his 1,000th point and leading Jackson State to an 82-78 victory over Prairie View A&M in Southwestern Athletic Conference play at the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center.

Ruffin’s crucial play came with 1:39 remaining, when he drove right, was fouled while making a layup, and then hit the free throw to tie the game at 78-78. He gave the Tigers the lead for good with a layup at 1:11, and Jackson State sealed the win with a dunk by Raevon Thomas with 13 seconds remaining.

The senior guard finished with 23 points and 10 assists, his second consecutive double-double. He shot 53.3% from the floor, including two three-pointers, and was 83.3% from the free throw line. Dorian McMillian added 16 points, making five of eight shots and all three free throws.

Jackson State (4-13, 3-1 SWAC) shot 45.3% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range. The Tigers also outrebounded Prairie View A&M 45-34 and scored 34 points in the paint. Prairie View was led by Dontae Horn with 38 points and Cory Wells with 23 points and 11 rebounds.

The Panthers shot 37.9% from the field and 30.4% beyond the arc. They made 77.1% of free throws but fell short in the second half, shooting just 43.8% overall and 16.7% from three after intermission. Jackson State finished the game shooting 70% from the free throw line.

Jackson State returns to action Monday night at home against Texas Southern at 7 p.m. Follow the Tigers on social media for updates.

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