Jackson State Hosts Grambling State in Key SWAC Matchup Saturday
Jackson State will play its first of two games in three days when it hosts Grambling State on Saturday at 3 p.m. inside the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center, according to school officials. The Tigers aim to keep pace with SWAC leader Bethune-Cookman, which they trail by two games.
The teams have a long history, meeting 99 times since 1977, with Jackson State holding a 63-36 advantage. Jackson State won the last matchup in 2025, according to available records.
Jackson State is led by senior guard Daeshun Ruffin, who is averaging 21.9 points and 5.6 assists per game this season, with conference averages of 28.6 and 8.7, respectively. Ruffin recorded three consecutive double-doubles earlier this season and scored 23 points with 10 assists against Prairie View A&M. He also scored 22 points with a career-high 16 assists against Texas Southern.
Teammate Dorian McMillian averages 11.2 points and 4.5 rebounds after missing the last game. Jayme Mitchell Jr. contributes 12.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, while Tamarion Hoover adds 7.7 points off the bench in conference play. Dionjahe Thomas, who posted back-to-back double-doubles earlier this season, averages 6.4 points and 7.3 rebounds in SWAC contests.
Jackson State has faced multiple ranked opponents this season, including Illinois, Louisville, Auburn and Arkansas. The Tigers scored a season-high 94 points against Texas Southern on Jan. 19, and have scored at least 80 in all five conference games.
According to sources, Jackson State has played the second-toughest schedule in the country. Ruffin ranks 11th nationally in scoring and is among the top 30 in several other categories. His conference averages lead the SWAC, and he is ranked 17th nationally in free throws made. Ruffin has scored in double figures in 11 straight games and 13 of the last 14.
The Tigers’ backcourt has scored 81.5 percent of the team’s points this season, led by Ruffin, McMillian, and Mitchell, who have combined for 66.1 percent of all points scored by Jackson State. Fans can follow the game via SWACTV, with live stats and radio options available.
Jackson State aims to build on its recent momentum as it continues its conference schedule. For more coverage, fans can follow the Tigers on social media at @GoJSUTigers and visit the official athletics website at GoJSUTigers.com.
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