Yuan Nichols | Sports Journalist

Three Tigers eclipse 20 points as JSU survives late push from Wildcats

Jackson State held off a determined Bethune-Cookman squad Monday night, securing a 91–86 victory in a competitive SWAC showdown at the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center.

The game opened with intensity on both ends, but the Tigers created early separation with an 8–0 run to build a 24–14 advantage midway through the first half. Defensive pressure and transition opportunities helped spark the surge, including strong perimeter shooting that kept Bethune on its heels.

Despite the early deficit, the Wildcats never allowed the game to slip away.

Bethune made a clear defensive focus of containing Daeshun Ruffin, limiting his early scoring opportunities with length and physicality. Instead of forcing shots, Ruffin adjusted, facilitating the offense and allowing teammates to find rhythm.

The Wildcats countered behind their interior strength. Derrick Rouzan dominated stretches inside, finishing with 25 points and 13 rebounds, while Jordan Head added 25 points and 10 boards, giving Bethune a powerful one-two punch in the paint. Their ability to score through contact and control the glass kept the margin manageable.

With five minutes left in the first half, the score tightened to 29–24 before Ruffin attacked late, earning trips to the free-throw line and helping Jackson State carry a slim 39–37 lead into halftime.

The second half turned into a battle of resilience.

Bethune briefly grabbed momentum as Rouzan excelled in transition and challenged Jackson State’s 2–3 zone, bullying his way to tough finishes. The Wildcats’ physical presence forced the Tigers to match intensity possession for possession.

But Jackson State answered every run.

Ruffin found his scoring rhythm and finished with 28 points and six assists. Devonte McMillan delivered a breakout shooting performance, pouring in 20 points while hitting six of seven from three-point range. Jayveous Mitchell Jr. added 21 points and eight rebounds, giving the Tigers three players with 20-plus points in a balanced offensive display.

With 4:30 remaining, Jackson State led 81–75. Bethune responded again, trimming the deficit to 85–83 with under a minute left after clutch free throws. The Wildcats’ defensive pressure forced key possessions late, but timely execution by the Tigers proved decisive.

McMillan drained a pivotal three-pointer with 15 seconds remaining to extend the lead to 90–84, effectively sealing the outcome. Jackson State closed it out at the line for the 91–86 win.

Bethune-Cookman shot 47% from the field and controlled the boards for much of the night, finishing with 36 rebounds. However, the Wildcats struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 18% from three-point range — a factor that ultimately limited their comeback efforts.

The loss marks Bethune-Cookman’s second consecutive defeat following a setback against Alcorn State on Saturday. Still, their interior presence and defensive physicality showed they remain a tough matchup in conference play.

Jackson State, meanwhile, continues to build momentum behind balanced scoring and late-game composure as the SWAC race tightens.