HOUSTON — Jackson State lost its third straight road game in Southwestern Athletic Conference action, falling 82-57 to Texas Southern at the H&PE Arena on Saturday night.
The Tigers (9-20, 8-8 SWAC) were without two starters but were led by Daeshun Ruffin, who scored 15 points and dished three assists. Ruffin connected on 80% of his free throws, making 8 of 10 attempts. Jayme Mitchell Jr. added 14 points off the bench for Jackson State.
Jackson State shot just 27.3% from the field (18 of 66) and 20.6% from beyond the arc (7 of 34). The team also made 66.7% of its free throws (14 of 21). Texas Southern (12-16, 10-7 SWAC) shot 52.6% from the floor (30 of 57) and 42.1% from three-point range (8 of 19). The Tigers also converted 82.4% of their free throws (14 of 17).
Zaire Hayes led five Texas Southern players in double figures with 17 points. The Tigers held a halftime lead of 46.7% shooting (14 of 30) compared to Jackson State’s 29.4% (10 of 34). Texas Southern maintained its advantage in the second half, shooting 59.3% (16 of 27) from the floor and 37.5% (3 of 8) from beyond the arc, finishing the game with a 25-point victory.
Jackson State will return home to close the regular season with two games, beginning Tuesday against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
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