Daeshun Ruffin scores 38 points to lead Jackson State past Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Jackson, Miss. — Daeshun Ruffin scored 38 points to lead Jackson State to an 81-78 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Tuesday night in Southwestern Athletic Conference action at the Lee E. Williams Athletic Assembly Center.

The senior guard connected on 10 of 27 shots, including four three-pointers, and made 14 of 17 free throws. Ruffin also contributed four rebounds and four assists. He has scored in double figures in all 14 conference games this season and has done so in 24 of his 26 games played, including 18 consecutive contests.

Ruffin’s teammates Tamarion Hoover and Jayme Mitchell Jr. added 11 and 10 points, respectively. Jackson State shot 39.3% from the field, 33.3% beyond the arc, and 80% from the free-throw line. Arkansas-Pine Bluff finished at 47.2% shooting, 36.8% from three-point range, and 87.5% from the free-throw line. Quion Williams led the Golden Lions with 21 points.

With the win, Jackson State improves to 10-20 overall and 9-8 in the SWAC, tying Arkansas-Pine Bluff, which also has a 9-8 conference record. The Tigers sit one game behind four teams tied at 10-7 in league play, with one game remaining in the regular season.

In the first half, Jackson State shot 50% from the floor and 46.7% from three-point range, while Arkansas-Pine Bluff shot 54.2% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc. Both teams made all their free throws in the first half. The second half saw Jackson State struggle offensively, shooting 27.6% overall and 16.7% from three, but they converted 82.6% of free throws. Arkansas-Pine Bluff shot 41.4% from the floor and made 84.2% of free throws in the second half.

Jackson State will conclude the regular season Thursday at home against Mississippi Valley State on Senior Day at 7 p.m. Follow the Tigers’ athletic coverage on social media at @GoJSUTigers (Instagram and Twitter) and Jackson State Tigers on Facebook or visit GoJSUTigers.com for more information.

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