Jackson State Tops Bethune-Cookman in Close Contest
Monday, February 16, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center
Jackson State Tigers 91, Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 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 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats vs Jackson State Tigers?
Jackson State Tigers beat Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 91-86 at Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center on February 16, 2026.
Who was favored in Bethune-Cookman Wildcats vs Jackson State Tigers?
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -230 (about 70% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center, the Jackson State Tigers edged out the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats with a final score of 91-86. This victory not only marked a significant win for Jackson State but also showcased their resilience after a tough season. The Tigers improved their record to 10-17, while the Wildcats fell to 13-14 with this loss.
Jackson State entered this game with a home record of 9-17, having recently gone 5-5 in their last ten games, with a streak of one win. They averaged 77.8 points scored per game while allowing 80.7 points. Their last five games reflected a slight dip in form, with an average of 79.4 points scored and 78.0 points allowed. In their previous matchup against the Wildcats on January 24, 2026, Jackson State suffered a heavy defeat, losing 48-85. However, they came into this game on the back of a strong performance against Florida A&M, where they won 80-60.
On the other hand, Bethune-Cookman had been performing well prior to this game, boasting a record of 8-2 in their last ten outings. They had a solid scoring average of 77.1 points while allowing just 66.1 points. Despite their recent form, they faced a setback in their last game against Alcorn State, losing 55-57. The Wildcats had previously dominated Jackson State in their earlier meeting this season, but they could not replicate that success in this encounter.
The game was tightly contested throughout, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Jackson State's scoring was bolstered by key contributions from their players, particularly in the second half. Notable scoring plays included a three-point jumper by Dorian McMillian and crucial free throws by Dionjahe Thomas and Jakobi Heady, which helped maintain their lead in the closing moments of the game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams had been managing their rosters as the season progressed. The absence of key players can often influence game dynamics, but both teams appeared to field their strongest lineups for this critical matchup.
Betting lines from DraftKings indicated that Bethune-Cookman was favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 150.5. The odds reflected the Wildcats' stronger season record, but the Tigers' home advantage proved decisive in this contest.
The conditions in the arena were conducive to a high-scoring game, with both teams displaying offensive prowess. Fans witnessed a thrilling atmosphere as the Tigers capitalized on their home court advantage, rallying support from the crowd to secure the victory.
Viewers should have focused on Jackson State's offensive execution and their ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities, as they converted crucial shots down the stretch. The Tigers' ability to adapt and respond to the Wildcats' defensive strategies was also a key element in their success.
Overall, this game highlighted the competitiveness of the NCAAB landscape, with Jackson State proving they could compete with a team like Bethune-Cookman, who had previously bested them. The victory not only boosts their confidence but also sets the stage for a more competitive finish to the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BCU -4.5 | 150.5 o -108 / u -112 | Bethune-Cookman Wildcats -230 · Jackson State Tigers +190 |
Leaders
- PointsDaeshun Ruffin28Jackson State Tigers
- AssistsDaeshun Ruffin6Jackson State Tigers
- ReboundsJayme Mitchell Jr.8Jackson State Tigers
- PointsDaniel Rouzan25Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
- AssistsDaniel Rouzan3Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
- ReboundsDaniel Rouzan13Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
Recent form
Jackson State Tigers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W177.8 scored · 80.7 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W80-60vs Florida A&M RattlersFeb 14
- L63-84at Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden LionsFeb 9
- W97-81at Mississippi Valley State Delta DevilsFeb 7
- L91-96vs Southern JaguarsFeb 3
- L66-69vs Grambling TigersJan 31
- W66-65at Florida A&M RattlersJan 27
- L48-85at Bethune-Cookman WildcatsJan 24
- W94-89vs Texas Southern TigersJan 20
- W82-78vs Prairie View A&M PanthersJan 17
- L91-100at Alabama A&M BulldogsJan 13
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
Last 10: 8-2Streak L177.1 scored · 66.1 allowed per game4-1 away
- L55-57at Alcorn State BravesFeb 14
- W79-69vs Texas Southern TigersFeb 10
- W82-76vs Prairie View A&M PanthersFeb 7
- W80-62at Alabama A&M BulldogsFeb 3
- W69-54at Alabama State HornetsJan 31
- W82-73vs Alcorn State BravesJan 27
- W85-48vs Jackson State TigersJan 24
- W87-82at Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden LionsJan 19
- W79-63at Mississippi Valley State Delta DevilsJan 17
- L73-77vs Southern JaguarsJan 13
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 | Bethune-Cookman Wildcats | Jackson State Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-62 | 27-56 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 3-17 | 10-20 |
| Three-point % | 18 | 50 |
| Free throws | 25-33 | 27-35 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 23 |
| Assists | 15 | 13 |
| Steals | 6 | 11 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 21 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 52 | 30 |
| Fouls | 26 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 17 | 69 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half59-56Jakobi Heady makes 25-foot three point jumper (Arterio Morris assists)
- 2nd Half59-58Dorian McMillian makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half61-58Quentin Heady makes layup (Jakobi Heady assists)
- 2nd Half61-60Daeshun Ruffin makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-62Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half61-63Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half63-63Daniel Rouzan makes 4-foot hook shot (Ariel Bland assists)
- 2nd Half65-63Jakobi Heady makes 4-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half65-65Daeshun Ruffin makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-65Jakobi Heady makes 3-foot dunk (Daniel Rouzan assists)
- 2nd Half67-66Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-67Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-67Arterio Morris makes driving layup
- 2nd Half69-69Jalen Tatum makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-69Jakobi Heady makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-69Jakobi Heady makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-71Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half73-71Daniel Rouzan makes layup
- 2nd Half73-74Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jalen Tatum assists)
- 2nd Half73-75Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-76Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-76Jakobi Heady makes layup (Ariel Bland assists)
- 2nd Half75-78Devin Ree makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Daeshun Ruffin assists)
- 2nd Half75-81Dorian McMillian makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jalen Tatum assists)
- 2nd Half76-81Jakobi Heady makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-81Jakobi Heady makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-81Arterio Morris makes driving layup
- 2nd Half79-82Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-83Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-83Daniel Rouzan makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half81-84Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-85Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-85Jakobi Heady makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-85Jakobi Heady makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-86Dionjahe Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-87Dionjahe Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-87Jakobi Heady makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-90Dorian McMillian makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jayme Mitchell Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half84-91Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-91Seneca Willoughby makes 0-foot tip in layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Jackson State Tigers, below favours Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.
Venue
- Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly CenterJackson, MS
- Attendance1056
- OfficialsEarnie Pheal, Keith Kimble, Johnny Wilkins
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