Jackson State Edges Florida A&M in Close Contest
Monday, January 26, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Al Lawson Center
Jackson State Tigers 66, Florida A&M Rattlers 65, 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 Jackson State Tigers vs Florida A&M Rattlers?
Jackson State Tigers beat Florida A&M Rattlers 66-65 at Al Lawson Center on January 26, 2026.
Who was favored in Jackson State Tigers vs Florida A&M Rattlers?
Florida A&M Rattlers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -305 (about 75% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested game, the Jackson State Tigers narrowly defeated the Florida A&M Rattlers with a final score of 66-65 at the Al Lawson Center. This matchup was significant as both teams were looking to improve their standings in the NCAAB league, with Florida A&M entering the game with a home record of 8-10 and Jackson State at 6-14. The victory for Jackson State marks an important moment for a team that has struggled this season.
Florida A&M had been on a strong run leading up to this game, winning five consecutive matches and boasting a record of 6-4 in their last ten games. Their recent form included victories against teams like Alcorn State Braves and Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils, with an average of 68.7 points scored and 71.5 points allowed during this stretch. At home, they had been particularly effective, maintaining a perfect 4-0 record in their last four home games, scoring an average of 71.4 points while allowing only 63.2.
In contrast, Jackson State entered the game with a record of 4-6 over their last ten games, but their recent performance had been less consistent, including a loss in their most recent outing against Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, where they were defeated 85-48. Despite this, they managed to score an average of 74.5 points but struggled defensively, allowing an average of 87.6 points in the same period. Their away record was notably poor at 1-4, which added to the pressure they faced in this game.
The two teams had met three times previously in the 2025 season, with Florida A&M holding a 2-1 advantage in those matchups. Their most recent encounter had seen Florida A&M win 76-71 at home, a factor that may have influenced expectations heading into this game. However, Jackson State's ability to secure a victory on the road showcased their resilience and determination.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but any absence of key players could have impacted the dynamics of the game. The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that Florida A&M was favored, with a spread of -7.5 and a moneyline of -305 for the home team, while Jackson State had a moneyline of 245. The total for the game was set at 150.5, reflecting expectations of a competitive scoring affair.
The game conditions were typical for a January evening, likely influencing play styles and strategies. Viewers were treated to a thrilling finish, highlighted by critical scoring plays in the second half. Notably, Jayme Mitchell Jr. made a pivotal three-point jumper that put Jackson State ahead 66-65, a moment that ultimately sealed the game for the Tigers.
As the final buzzer sounded, Florida A&M's chances of winning evaporated, and Jackson State celebrated a hard-fought victory, demonstrating their capability to compete under pressure despite their overall season struggles. This game not only affects the standings but also serves as a confidence booster for Jackson State as they look to build on this success moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | FAMU -7.5 | 150.5 o -108 / u -112 | Jackson State Tigers +245 · Florida A&M Rattlers -305 |
Leaders
- PointsKaleb Washington17Florida A&M Rattlers
- AssistsJaquan Sanders4Florida A&M Rattlers
- ReboundsKaleb Washington5Florida A&M Rattlers
- PointsDaeshun Ruffin30Jackson State Tigers
- AssistsDaeshun Ruffin6Jackson State Tigers
- ReboundsJayme Mitchell Jr.9Jackson State Tigers
Recent form
Florida A&M Rattlers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W568.7 scored · 71.5 allowed per game4-0 at home
- W66-58vs Alcorn State BravesJan 24
- W62-48at Mississippi Valley State Delta DevilsJan 20
- W71-67at Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden LionsJan 17
- W91-84vs Grambling TigersJan 13
- W67-59vs Southern JaguarsJan 11
- L83-87at Bethune-Cookman WildcatsJan 3
- L65-89at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsDec 28
- L56-80at TCU Horned FrogsDec 21
- L54-78at Tarleton State TexansDec 20
- W72-65vs Jacksonville DolphinsDec 18
Jackson State Tigers
Last 10: 4-6Streak L174.5 scored · 87.6 allowed per game1-4 away
- 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
- L53-93at Northwestern WildcatsDec 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 | Jackson State Tigers | Florida A&M Rattlers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-52 | 24-59 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 7-19 | 8-28 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 29 |
| Free throws | 15-21 | 9-17 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 53 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 21 |
| Assists | 8 | 12 |
| Steals | 5 | 5 |
| Blocks | 0 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 3 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 32 |
| Fouls | 14 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 10 | 85 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half30-33Daeshun Ruffin makes layup (Dionjahe Thomas assists)
- 1st Half30-36Jordan Chatman makes 25-foot three point jumper (Miles Ndalama assists)
- 1st Half30-39Micah Octave makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kaleb Washington assists)
- 1st Half32-39Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes layup
- 1st Half32-41Miles Ndalama makes 4-foot dunk (Jaquan Sanders assists)
- 2nd Half32-43Miles Ndalama makes 4-foot dunk (Micah Octave assists)
- 2nd Half34-43Daeshun Ruffin makes layup
- 2nd Half35-43Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-43Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-43Dionjahe Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-43Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Daeshun Ruffin assists)
- 2nd Half40-45Jordan Chatman makes layup
- 2nd Half40-47Miles Ndalama makes layup
- 2nd Half40-48Miles Ndalama makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-49Miles Ndalama makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-49Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-49Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-49Tamarion Hoover makes 23-foot three point jumper (Daeshun Ruffin assists)
- 2nd Half48-49Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half50-49Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half52-49Daeshun Ruffin makes layup
- 2nd Half52-51Jordan Chatman makes layup
- 2nd Half53-51Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-51Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-53Kaleb Washington makes 3-foot jumper
- 2nd Half54-54Kaleb Washington makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half54-55Jordan Chatman makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half54-56Jordan Chatman makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half54-57Jordan Chatman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-57Dionjahe Thomas makes 4-foot dunk (Daeshun Ruffin assists)
- 2nd Half56-59Antonio Baker Jr. makes layup (Kaleb Washington assists)
- 2nd Half56-61Kaleb Washington makes 4-foot dunk (Tyler Shirley assists)
- 2nd Half58-61Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half58-63Tyler Shirley makes layup
- 2nd Half59-63Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-63Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-63Dionjahe Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-65Jaquan Sanders makes layup
- 2nd Half63-65Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half66-65Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Daeshun Ruffin assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Florida A&M Rattlers, below favours Jackson State Tigers.
Venue
- Al Lawson CenterTallahassee, FL
- Attendance1005
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