Jackson, Miss. — Jackson State finished its regular season with an 85-77 win over Mississippi Valley State on Thursday night at the Lee E. Williams Athletic Center. The Tigers, now 11-20 overall and 10-8 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, earned their second consecutive victory.
Jayme Mitchell Jr. led Jackson State with 27 points, including four three-pointers. He shot 11-for-12 from the free-throw line, added nine rebounds, and dished out two assists. Devin Ree scored 17 points on a perfect 8-for-8 night from the free-throw line. Jalen Tatum contributed 12 points, while Dionjahe Thomas added 11 points off the bench.
Jackson State shot 38.8% from the field and 38.9% from three-point range, with an 80% free-throw percentage. Mississippi Valley State finished shooting 51.2% from the floor and 50% beyond the arc. The Delta Devils made 24 of 30 free throws, shooting 80% overall. Michael James led the Delta Devils with 22 points.
In the first half, Jackson State struggled offensively, shooting 29% from the floor and 28.6% from beyond the arc, but hit 73.7% from the free-throw line. The team improved in the second half, shooting 55.6% from the floor and 75% from three, while maintaining an 83.9% free-throw percentage overall. Mississippi Valley State shot 50% in the first half and 52.2% in the second, with solid free-throw shooting as well.
Jackson State outrebounded the Delta Devils and assisted on eight of 19 baskets. Guard Daeshun Ruffin played 14 minutes before leaving the game with nine points and two assists. The teams combined to shoot 80 free throws, with 42 in the second half.
The Tigers now await their opponent in next week’s SWAC Tournament in Atlanta, Georgia. They can be followed on social media at @GoJSUTigers on Instagram and Twitter and on Facebook at Jackson State Tigers.
