Jackson State lost to Grambling State 69-66 on Saturday night in a Southwestern Athletic Conference game at the Lee E. Williams Athletics & Assembly Center.
The Tigers trailed by as many as 13 points in the second half before mounting a comeback. Jackson State took a 62-61 lead with 4:32 remaining on a free throw by Dionjahe Thomas. Grambling State responded with a three-pointer from Rickey Ballard with 15 seconds left to secure a 67-64 lead.
Deshaun Ruffin scored 38 points to lead Jackson State, connecting on 50% of his shots and making four three-pointers. The senior guard also made 14 of 17 free throws and scored in double figures for the 12th straight game. Raevon Thomas added 12 points, while Jayme Mitchell led the team with eight rebounds. Devin Ree contributed seven rebounds and four blocks.
Jackson State shot 38% from the field and 28.6% from three-point range. They made 73.3% of free throws. Grambling State shot 39.3% overall, hitting 35.5% beyond the arc and making 71.4% of free throws. Antonio Munoz and Rickey Ballard each scored 15 points for the Tigers, who improved to 6-15 overall and 5-3 in SWAC play. Grambling State holds a 9-10 record overall, with a 3-3 conference mark.
In the first half, Jackson State shot 42.3% from the floor and 22.2% from beyond the arc, while Grambling State shot 41.4% from the field and 40% from three. Both teams shot well from the free throw line in the first half, with Grambling State at 77.8% and Jackson State at 61.5%. In the second half, Jackson State struggled offensively, making 33.3% of their shots and 33.3% from three. Grambling State shot 37.5% in the second half from the floor.
Grambling State led in rebounding, 41-34, and the Tigers dished out seven assists on 19 made baskets. Jackson State returns to action Monday at 7 p.m. against Southern, with the game broadcast on SWAC TV from the Lee E. Williams AAC.
