Hampton Pirates Edge Jackson State Tigers 84-77
Thursday, December 18, 2025, 5:00 PM ET · Gateway Center
Hampton Pirates 84, Jackson State Tigers 77, 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 Hampton Pirates vs Jackson State Tigers?
Hampton Pirates beat Jackson State Tigers 84-77 at Gateway Center on December 18, 2025.
Who was favored in Hampton Pirates vs Jackson State Tigers?
Hampton Pirates were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -395 (about 80% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Hampton Pirates defeated the Jackson State Tigers 84-77 at the Gateway Center on December 18, 2025. This game was particularly significant for both teams as they navigated contrasting seasons, with Hampton looking to solidify their position while Jackson State sought to improve their struggling record.
The Tigers entered the game with a dismal home record of 1-10 and a recent form that saw them lose their last three games, bringing their overall record to 1-9 in the last ten outings. They averaged only 58.0 points per game while allowing a staggering 90.0 points to opponents during that stretch. Their last five games reflected a slight improvement in scoring, averaging 55.4 points, but they continued to struggle defensively, conceding an average of 77.2 points.
In contrast, the Pirates had a more balanced performance with a record of 6-6 overall and a recent form of 5-5 in their last ten games. Despite losing their most recent game, they averaged 71.9 points while allowing just 64.7 points per game during that span. Their last five games showed a scoring average of 75.6 points, indicating a more potent offense compared to Jackson State.
The game featured a back-and-forth battle, with the Pirates managing to pull ahead in the second half. Key moments included Michael Eley’s contributions, who not only hit a crucial 20-foot step back jump shot but also converted several free throws that helped seal the victory for Hampton. Daeshun Ruffin of Jackson State also made notable plays, including a driving layup that kept the game competitive.
The odds for the game, provided by DraftKings, favored the Pirates with a spread of 8.5 points, indicating expectations of a comfortable win. The total points line was set at 135.5, reflecting the anticipated scoring capabilities of both teams. The home money line for Jackson State was listed at 310.0, while Hampton's away money line was set at -395.0, further emphasizing the perceived strength of the Pirates in this matchup.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams have faced challenges throughout the season that could have impacted their performance. The conditions at the Gateway Center were standard for a basketball game, with no unusual weather factors affecting play.
Viewers watching the game were likely to focus on the performances of key players like Eley and Ruffin, as well as the overall team dynamics, particularly how Hampton managed to maintain their composure under pressure despite Jackson State's efforts to close the gap.
Ultimately, the Pirates' ability to execute down the stretch and capitalize on free throw opportunities proved decisive in their victory, while the Tigers continued to search for answers in what has been a challenging season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HAMP -8.5 | 135.5 o -112 / u -108 | Hampton Pirates -395 · Jackson State Tigers +310 |
Leaders
- PointsDaeshun Ruffin36Jackson State Tigers
- AssistsDaeshun Ruffin6Jackson State Tigers
- ReboundsJayme Mitchell Jr.5Jackson State Tigers
- PointsMichael Eley31Hampton Pirates
- AssistsChristian Watson4Hampton Pirates
- ReboundsXzavier Long15Hampton Pirates
Recent form
Jackson State Tigers
Last 10: 1-9Streak L358 scored · 90 allowed per game0-1 at home
- 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
- L51-68at Louisiana Tech BulldogsNov 16
- L70-106at Louisville CardinalsNov 7
- L55-113at Illinois Fighting IlliniNov 4
Hampton Pirates
Last 10: 5-5Streak L171.9 scored · 64.7 allowed per game2-4 away
- L57-61at Howard BisonDec 13
- W93-71vs Loyola Maryland GreyhoundsDec 4
- W94-58vs Apprentice School BuildersDec 2
- W74-68at Maryland Eastern Shore HawksNov 26
- L60-62at Norfolk State SpartansNov 22
- L52-63at Boston College EaglesNov 19
- L61-67vs Holy Cross CrusadersNov 16
- W72-63at Brown BearsNov 15
- L53-91at Virginia CavaliersNov 12
- W103-43vs Mid Atlantic Christian MustangsNov 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNC Wilmington | 27-7 | - | 15-3 |
| Charleston | 21-11 | 1 | 14-4 |
| Hofstra | 24-11 | 3 | 12-6 |
| Monmouth | 19-15 | 4 | 11-7 |
| William & Mary | 20-12 | 5 | 10-8 |
| Drexel | 17-16 | 5 | 10-8 |
| Towson | 19-15 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Stony Brook | 17-15 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Campbell | 16-18 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Hampton | 13-19 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Elon | 14-18 | 9 | 6-12 |
| North Carolina A&T | 11-19 | 11 | 4-14 |
| Northeastern | 7-24 | 13 | 2-16 |
| 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 | Hampton Pirates | Jackson State Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-52 | 28-58 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 10-21 | 8-26 |
| Three-point % | 48 | 31 |
| Free throws | 26-31 | 13-16 |
| Free throw % | 84 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 25 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 19 |
| Assists | 20 | 13 |
| Steals | 5 | 4 |
| Blocks | 4 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 36 |
| Fouls | 15 | 26 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 86 | 12 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half56-43Eunique Rink makes 4-foot hook shot (Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt assists)
- 2nd Half56-46Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Dorian McMillian assists)
- 2nd Half57-46Christian Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-48Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes 4-foot floating jump shot (Mike Williams assists)
- 2nd Half59-48Michael Eley makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Xzavier Long assists)
- 2nd Half59-51Dorian McMillian makes 26-foot three point jumper (Daeshun Ruffin assists)
- 2nd Half62-51Michael Eley makes 24-foot three point jumper (Christian Watson assists)
- 2nd Half62-53Kobe Butler makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half63-53Etienne Strothers makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-53Etienne Strothers makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-54Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-55Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-55Michael Eley makes 20-foot pullup jump shot (Christian Watson assists)
- 2nd Half66-58Tamarion Hoover makes 23-foot three point jumper (Daeshun Ruffin assists)
- 2nd Half68-58Michael Eley makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot (Xzavier Long assists)
- 2nd Half68-60Daeshun Ruffin makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-61Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half69-61Etienne Strothers makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-61Etienne Strothers makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-63Daeshun Ruffin makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-64Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half71-64Xzavier Long makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-64Xzavier Long makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-65Dorian McMillian makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-66Dorian McMillian makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-66Christian Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-66Christian Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-66Michael Eley makes 25-foot three point jumper (Christian Watson assists)
- 2nd Half77-69Devin Ree makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jayme Mitchell Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half77-71Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half77-73Daeshun Ruffin makes layup
- 2nd Half77-74Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-75Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-75Michael Eley makes 20-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half80-75Michael Eley makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half81-75Michael Eley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-75Michael Eley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-77Daeshun Ruffin makes driving layup
- 2nd Half83-77Michael Eley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-77Michael Eley makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Jackson State Tigers, below favours Hampton Pirates.
Venue
- Gateway CenterCollege Park, GA
- Attendance425
- OfficialsDonta Carter, Marvin Harris Jr., RJ Johnson
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond