Grambling Defeats Mississippi Valley State 77–52 in SWAC Tournament Opening Round

The final game of the opening round featured the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils and the Grambling State Tigers in SWAC Tournament action. The Delta Devils entered the game at 3–29 overall and have struggled defensively this season, giving up more than 84 points per game. However, they relied heavily on guard Michael James, who has been their top scoring threat. Grambling entered the matchup at 13–18 overall and has been more competitive in conference play. The Tigers rely on balanced scoring, solid defense, and their ability to attack the rim and get to the free throw line. One key to watch was the battle in the paint and whether Mississippi Valley State could avoid foul trouble against a physical Grambling team.

Mississippi Valley State got off to a strong start early in the first half behind the scoring of James, who knocked down two three pointers to give the Delta Devils an early 8–2 advantage. Mississippi Valley State created second chance opportunities early with offensive rebounds while pushing the pace in transition.

However, Grambling began to settle in offensively midway through the half. The Tigers capitalized on turnovers and began to find success from beyond the arc. Jamil Muttilib and Derrius Ward both connected on key three pointers that helped Grambling erase the early deficit and take the lead.

Grambling’s defense also created several transition opportunities late in the half as Mississippi Valley State struggled with ball security. The Tigers extended the lead behind perimeter shooting and points off turnovers.

By halftime, Grambling had built a 34–19 lead, with Muttilib and Ward leading the Tigers offensively while Antonio Muñoz contributed inside with rebounds and second chance opportunities. Mississippi Valley State was led by James in scoring but struggled offensively late in the half as turnovers allowed Grambling to pull away.

Grambling continued the momentum from the first half as Muttilib opened the second half with a three point play to extend the Tigers’ lead. The first few minutes of the half were scrappy as both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm, with several turnovers and missed opportunities on both ends of the floor.

Grambling began to settle into its offense as the half progressed. Muñoz added a layup inside while Devyn Franklin provided second chance scoring and a free throw to help extend the lead. The Tigers continued to capitalize on defensive stops and transition opportunities to maintain control.

Mississippi Valley State found some offense through Xzayvion Childress and James, who both scored inside and at the free throw line to keep the Delta Devils within reach. However, Grambling continued to build its advantage behind balanced scoring and strong ball movement. Roderick Coffee III knocked down multiple three pointers during the stretch while Jimel Lane added points in the paint, allowing the Tigers to push their lead to more than twenty points midway through the second half.

Mississippi Valley State showed some life midway through the second half as Lamont Sams and James helped generate offense for the Delta Devils. Sams converted a jumper while Mussa Mzein added a hook shot in the paint to cut into the deficit. Despite the push, Grambling maintained control of the game. Rickey Ballard connected on a three pointer to extend the Tigers’ lead while strong defensive rebounding limited second chance opportunities for Mississippi Valley State.

The Delta Devils briefly found momentum when James knocked down a fast break three pointer, bringing the score to 65–43. However, Grambling’s defense and ball movement continued to keep the Tigers comfortably ahead as the second half progressed. Mekhi Fitts provided a highlight with a dunk coming out of a timeout while the Tigers continued to control the pace.

Grambling continued to add to its advantage late as Coffee III knocked down a second chance three pointer and Fitts added another three off a turnover. The Tigers also controlled the offensive glass in the final minutes, with Lane converting a tip in to extend the lead.

Mississippi Valley State closed the game with a brief run as Jonathan Pace scored on back to back dunks, including a fast break finish in the final seconds. However, Grambling maintained control to secure the 77–52 victory.

Grambling finished the game with balanced scoring, led by Muttilib with 22 points, Coffee III with 9 points, and Fitts adding 11 points. For Mississippi Valley State, James led all scorers with 23 points, while Sams added 9 points and Mzein contributed 6 points in the loss.