Grambling Tigers Edge Jackson State in Close Contest
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center
Grambling Tigers 69, Jackson State Tigers 66, 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 Grambling Tigers vs Jackson State Tigers?
Grambling Tigers beat Jackson State Tigers 69-66 at Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center on January 31, 2026.
Who was favored in Grambling Tigers vs Jackson State Tigers?
Grambling Tigers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Grambling Tigers narrowly defeated the Jackson State Tigers with a final score of 69-66. This game showcased the competitive nature of both teams, with Grambling improving their record to 10-10, while Jackson State fell to 6-16. The fixture took place at the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center, highlighting the significance of home court advantage, though it ultimately did not favor Jackson State this time.
Both teams entered the game with similar recent form, each holding a 5-5 record in their last ten games. Jackson State had a slight edge in scoring, averaging 75.8 points per game over that span, but they also allowed a high average of 84.8 points. Their last five games yielded a record of 3-2, with notable victories against Texas Southern and Florida A&M. Conversely, Grambling's recent form had been less favorable, as they came into the game on a three-game losing streak, averaging 73.6 points scored while allowing 73.0 points. Their last five games showed a record of 2-3, with their most recent loss against Southern Jaguars.
When considering home and away performances, Jackson State had a home record of 3-2 in their last five games, while Grambling struggled on the road, holding a 1-4 record in their last five away games. This context set the stage for an intriguing matchup, as both teams sought to capitalize on their strengths and rectify recent shortcomings.
In terms of previous meetings, Grambling had won the only prior matchup against Jackson State in the 2025 season, with a decisive score of 65-50. This history may have provided Grambling with additional confidence heading into the game.
Injuries were not detailed in the provided facts, suggesting that both teams likely fielded their best available players. The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Grambling favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 148.5. This indicated a close contest expected by the odds makers, reflecting the competitive nature of the matchup.
The conditions during the game were not specified, but the atmosphere in a college basketball setting often adds to the intensity of such rivalries. Viewers were treated to a thrilling second half, where the lead changed hands multiple times. Key moments included Rickey Ballard's clutch three-pointers and Daeshun Ruffin's free throws that kept the game within reach for Jackson State.
Ultimately, the game concluded with Grambling securing the victory, underscoring their resilience despite their recent struggles. The final score reflects the tight nature of the contest, with both teams showing flashes of brilliance and areas needing improvement as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | GRAM -2.5 | 148.5 o -108 / u -112 | Grambling Tigers -155 · Jackson State Tigers +130 |
Leaders
- PointsDaeshun Ruffin38Jackson State Tigers
- AssistsDaeshun Ruffin5Jackson State Tigers
- ReboundsJayme Mitchell Jr.8Jackson State Tigers
- PointsAntonio Munoz15Grambling Tigers
- AssistsRoderick Coffee III8Grambling Tigers
- ReboundsDevyn Franklin10Grambling Tigers
Recent form
Jackson State Tigers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W175.8 scored · 84.8 allowed per game3-2 at home
- 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
- W75-64at Alabama State HornetsJan 10
- W89-86vs Alcorn State BravesJan 3
- L64-115at TCU Horned FrogsDec 30
- L72-82vs Norfolk State SpartansDec 20
- L77-84vs Hampton PiratesDec 18
Grambling Tigers
Last 10: 5-5Streak L373.6 scored · 73 allowed per game1-4 away
- L53-71vs Southern JaguarsJan 17
- L84-91at Florida A&M RattlersJan 13
- L65-74at Bethune-Cookman WildcatsJan 10
- W84-67vs Texas Southern TigersJan 6
- W76-72vs Prairie View A&M PanthersJan 3
- W90-58vs Centenary (LA) GentlemenDec 30
- L63-89at Ohio State BuckeyesDec 23
- W81-72at Hampton PiratesDec 19
- W80-68vs Norfolk State SpartansDec 19
- L60-68at Southern Miss Golden EaglesDec 9
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 | Grambling Tigers | Jackson State Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-61 | 19-50 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 38 |
| Three-pointers | 11-31 | 6-21 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 29 |
| Free throws | 10-14 | 22-30 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 25 |
| Assists | 17 | 7 |
| Steals | 6 | 2 |
| Blocks | 2 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 18 |
| Fouls | 25 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 73 | 14 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half37-30Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half37-31Tamarion Hoover makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half37-32Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-35Raevon Thomas makes 25-foot three point jumper (Daeshun Ruffin assists)
- 2nd Half40-35Rickey Ballard makes 30-foot three point jumper (Devyn Franklin assists)
- 2nd Half41-35Devyn Franklin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-36Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-37Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-37Devyn Franklin makes 9-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half45-37Devyn Franklin makes layup
- 2nd Half45-40Daeshun Ruffin makes 28-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half45-42Raevon Thomas makes 9-foot hook shot (Daeshun Ruffin assists)
- 2nd Half47-42Antonio Munoz makes driving layup
- 2nd Half47-43Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-44Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-44Rickey Ballard makes 23-foot three point jumper (Roderick Coffee III assists)
- 2nd Half52-44Antonio Munoz makes layup (Roderick Coffee III assists)
- 2nd Half52-46Dionjahe Thomas makes layup (Daeshun Ruffin assists)
- 2nd Half54-46Antonio Munoz makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-46Antonio Munoz makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-46Derrius Ward makes 23-foot three point jumper (Roderick Coffee III assists)
- 2nd Half59-48Daeshun Ruffin makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-49Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half59-50Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-51Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-51Antonio Munoz makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-54Daeshun Ruffin makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half61-55Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-56Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-57Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-58Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-61Daeshun Ruffin makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half61-62Dionjahe Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-62Rickey Ballard makes 25-foot three point jumper (Roderick Coffee III assists)
- 2nd Half64-64Delyle Williams makes driving layup (Daeshun Ruffin assists)
- 2nd Half67-64Rickey Ballard makes 26-foot three point jumper (Roderick Coffee III assists)
- 2nd Half67-65Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-66Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-66Derrius Ward makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-66Derrius Ward makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Jackson State Tigers, below favours Grambling Tigers.
Venue
- Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly CenterJackson, MS
- Attendance1136
- OfficialsByron Evans, Kael Saloy, Jeremy Campbell
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- Jackson State Tops Grambling in Close ContestMar 10, 2026