Florida A&M Pulls Away in Second Half to Defeat Jackson State 70–60 in SWAC Tournament

By: Raymond Forte

Jackson State entered the matchup looking to build momentum after a narrow 68–65 victory over Grambling the day before. The Tigers have relied heavily on perimeter shooting and defensive pressure throughout conference play to remain competitive against SWAC opponents.

Florida A&M came into the contest with a 14–15 overall record and an 11–7 mark in conference play, positioning the Rattlers slightly higher in the standings and earning them a double bye in the tournament. One of the more balanced teams in the conference, Florida A&M has leaned on strong rebounding and consistent inside scoring to complement its perimeter offense while pushing for a strong postseason run.

Both teams opened the game playing at a fast pace with aggressive defense, though early scoring opportunities were limited as each side struggled to finish around the rim. Jackson State broke through first when Jayme Mitchell Jr. knocked down a second-chance three-pointer following an offensive rebound by Raevon Thomas, giving the Tigers an early 3–0 lead. Moments later, Jalen Tatum added two free throws to extend the advantage to 5–0.

Florida A&M responded with points in the paint from Tyler Shirley and free throws from Jaquan Sanders, but Jackson State maintained control through the early portion of the half. Mitchell Jr. continued to provide an offensive spark, knocking down multiple three-pointers, including a fast-break triple that pushed the Tigers’ lead to 12–4.

The Rattlers eventually settled in offensively, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities and strong rebounding. Jordan Chatman tied the game at 12–12 with a second-chance three-pointer before Antonio Baker gave Florida A&M its first lead with a pair of free throws.

The remainder of the half featured several lead changes as both teams traded baskets. Baker knocked down a three-pointer to put Florida A&M ahead 19–17, but Jackson State responded with back-to-back three-pointers from Tamarion Hoover and Dorian McMillian to swing the momentum back toward the Tigers.

In the closing minutes of the half, both teams exchanged key baskets in the paint, including a dunk from Shirley for Florida A&M and a jumper from Devin Ree for Jackson State. Florida A&M briefly held a 33–30 advantage after a three-pointer from Micah Octave, but Jackson State had the final word before the break.

After a Florida A&M turnover with just three seconds remaining, Mitchell Jr. capitalized and drilled a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give the Tigers a 34–33 lead heading into halftime.

The second half opened tied at 34–34, and Jackson State quickly regained momentum. Hoover scored on a fast-break layup while Ree added two baskets to help the Tigers build a 40–34 lead. A three-pointer from Delyle Williams later extended the advantage to 43–36.

Florida A&M responded with defensive pressure and physical play in the paint. Kaleb Washington sparked the rally with multiple baskets inside, including a layup that tied the game at 44–44. Washington then gave the Rattlers the lead with another driving finish before Sanders knocked down a pull-up three-pointer to extend the advantage.

The Rattlers continued to create separation midway through the half. Miles Ndalama energized the team with a dunk following a turnover and later added free throws to push the lead further. Florida A&M’s defense forced several Jackson State turnovers during the stretch, converting those opportunities into transition points.

Down the stretch, Florida A&M maintained control. Shirley added a fast-break dunk while Octave converted key free throws to keep the Tigers at bay.

Jackson State made one final push late in the game. After a steal by Mitchell Jr., he split a pair of free throws before McMillian knocked down a fast-break three-pointer off another turnover, trimming the Rattlers’ lead to five and forcing a Jackson State timeout with 20 seconds remaining.

However, Florida A&M sealed the game at the free-throw line to secure a 70–60 victory.

Antonio Baker led Florida A&M with 18 points, helping the Rattlers advance to the next round of the SWAC Tournament.

Florida A&M will now move on to face the winner of Southern vs. Arkansas–Pine Bluff.