Jackson State Tops Alcorn State in Close Contest
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 4:30 PM ET · Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center
Jackson State Tigers 89, Alcorn State Braves 86, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Alcorn State Braves vs Jackson State Tigers?
Jackson State Tigers beat Alcorn State Braves 89-86 at Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Alcorn State Braves vs Jackson State Tigers?
Jackson State Tigers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -250 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center, the Jackson State Tigers narrowly defeated the Alcorn State Braves with a final score of 89-86. This game showcased the intense rivalry between the two teams, both of whom have struggled this season, with Jackson State holding a home record of 2-12 and Alcorn State at 1-12. The contest was marked by a series of lead changes and close scoring, reflecting the competitive spirit of both squads despite their overall struggles.
Jackson State entered the game with a recent form of 1-9 over their last ten games, having lost their last six. Their scoring average during this stretch was 61.7 points per game, while they allowed an average of 89.4 points. Alcorn State, on the other hand, also faced difficulties, with a record of 1-9 in their last ten games and a losing streak of four. They averaged 61.8 points scored and allowed 91.1 points during this period. Both teams have been particularly challenged defensively, which was evident in their scoring averages.
At home, Jackson State has struggled with a record of 0-3, while Alcorn State has yet to win on the road, holding an away record of 0-9. This matchup was crucial for both teams as they sought to improve their standings in the league. Historically, Jackson State has had the upper hand in their previous meetings, winning both encounters in the current season, including a 71-63 victory at home on February 22 and a 72-69 win away on January 4.
In terms of player availability, the block did not provide specific details on injuries affecting either team, which could have influenced the game dynamics. However, the absence of key players can often be a significant factor in close contests like this one.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, favored Jackson State with a spread of -5.5, indicating expectations of a close game. The total points line was set at 145.5, reflecting the anticipated scoring capabilities of both teams. The odds for the over were -112.0, while the under was slightly favored at -108.0. Jackson State's money line was listed at -250.0, while Alcorn State's was at 205.0, suggesting that Jackson State was the favored team to win.
The game conditions were not specified in the block, but typically, factors such as crowd support and venue familiarity can play a role in the performance of the home team. In this case, Jackson State's home advantage may have contributed to their narrow victory.
As the game unfolded, key moments included a series of scoring plays in the second half that kept the score tight. Daeshun Ruffin was instrumental for Jackson State, contributing crucial points, including a driving layup that put his team ahead late in the game. The final moments saw Alcorn State attempting to claw back, but Jackson State managed to maintain their lead through effective free-throw shooting and strong offensive plays.
Viewers of this matchup were treated to a display of resilience from both teams, with Jackson State ultimately securing the win in a game that could have gone either way. The close scoreline reflects the competitive nature of the fixture, making it a noteworthy event in the NCAAB calendar.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | JKST -5.5 | 145.5 o -112 / u -108 | Alcorn State Braves +205 · Jackson State Tigers -250 |
Leaders
- PointsDaeshun Ruffin31Jackson State Tigers
- AssistsDaeshun Ruffin8Jackson State Tigers
- ReboundsTamarion Hoover6Jackson State Tigers
- PointsDavian Williams24Alcorn State Braves
- AssistsJameel Morris5Alcorn State Braves
- ReboundsNick Woodard7Alcorn State Braves
Recent form
Jackson State Tigers
Last 10: 1-9Streak L661.7 scored · 89.4 allowed per game0-3 at home
- L64-115at TCU Horned FrogsDec 30
- L72-82vs Norfolk State SpartansDec 20
- L77-84vs Hampton PiratesDec 18
- L53-93at Northwestern WildcatsDec 13
- L38-80at Houston CougarsDec 11
- L73-88at Kennesaw State OwlsDec 3
- W51-45at Louisiana Ragin' CajunsNov 29
- L62-80vs Winthrop EaglesNov 24
- L61-115at Arkansas RazorbacksNov 22
- L66-112at Auburn TigersNov 20
Alcorn State Braves
Last 10: 1-9Streak L461.8 scored · 91.1 allowed per game0-9 away
- L43-79at Ole Miss RebelsDec 30
- L56-113at Baylor BearsDec 20
- L68-132at Iowa State CyclonesDec 4
- L58-83at Louisiana Tech BulldogsNov 29
- W81-74vs Indiana State SycamoresNov 28
- L53-72at Oklahoma SoonersNov 23
- L81-107at LSU TigersNov 19
- L64-72at Howard BisonNov 14
- L64-84at Maryland TerrapinsNov 12
- L50-95at Minnesota Golden GophersNov 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bethune-Cookman | 17-15 | - | 14-4 |
| Southern | 17-17 | 3 | 11-7 |
| Florida A&M | 15-16 | 3 | 11-7 |
| Alabama A&M | 18-15 | 4 | 10-8 |
| Arkansas-Pine Bluff | 13-19 | 4 | 10-8 |
| Texas Southern | 12-18 | 4 | 10-8 |
| Jackson State | 12-21 | 4 | 10-8 |
| Prairie View A&M | 19-18 | 5 | 9-9 |
| Grambling | 14-19 | 7 | 7-11 |
| Alabama State | 10-22 | 7 | 7-11 |
| Alcorn State | 9-23 | 7 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi Valley State | 3-30 | 12 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Alcorn State Braves | Jackson State Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-62 | 29-55 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 14-26 | 10-27 |
| Three-point % | 54 | 37 |
| Free throws | 14-24 | 21-25 |
| Free throw % | 58 | 84 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 25 |
| Assists | 19 | 16 |
| Steals | 7 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 16 | 21 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 32 |
| Fouls | 19 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 17 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 11 | 86 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half48-60Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-60Shane Lancaster makes 22-foot three point jumper (Davian Williams assists)
- 2nd Half52-60Shane Lancaster makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half52-62Daeshun Ruffin makes layup
- 2nd Half54-62Mike Jones makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half54-64Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-64Davian Williams makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nick Woodard assists)
- 2nd Half57-65Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-66Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-66Mike Jones makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half61-66Davian Williams makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-68Raevon Thomas makes 1-foot dunk (Delyle Williams assists)
- 2nd Half64-68Davian Williams makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half64-69Delyle Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-70Delyle Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-70Omari Hamilton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-71Dorian McMillian makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-72Dorian McMillian makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-72Davian Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-72Davian Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-74Raevon Thomas makes 3-foot dunk (Devin Ree assists)
- 2nd Half69-74Davian Williams makes driving layup (Nick Woodard assists)
- 2nd Half72-74Nick Woodard makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jameel Morris assists)
- 2nd Half74-74Nick Woodard makes layup
- 2nd Half74-75Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-76Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-78Daeshun Ruffin makes driving layup
- 2nd Half77-78Nick Woodard makes 26-foot three point jumper (Bryson Calamese assists)
- 2nd Half79-78Davian Williams makes 0-foot dunk (Jameel Morris assists)
- 2nd Half79-79Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-79Nick Woodard makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half82-80Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-81Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-81Davian Williams makes 8-foot jumper (Jameel Morris assists)
- 2nd Half84-83Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes layup (Daeshun Ruffin assists)
- 2nd Half84-85Daeshun Ruffin makes driving layup
- 2nd Half84-86Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half84-88Tamarion Hoover makes layup (Daeshun Ruffin assists)
- 2nd Half84-89Tamarion Hoover makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half86-89Nick Woodard makes 0-foot tip in layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Jackson State Tigers, below favours Alcorn State Braves.
Venue
- Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly CenterJackson, MS
- Attendance2220
- OfficialsMichael Smith, Donald Daniels, Cedric Coleman
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