JSU Tigers Hold Off Alcorn State, 76-72

(JACKSON, Miss.) ­ The Jackson State Tigers sank three free throws in the final 20 seconds to hold off the Alcorn State Braves 76-72 in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play Saturday night at the Lee Williams Athletic and Assembly Center Saturday night. The win completed a doubleheader sweep for Jackson State basketball. The Lady Tigers defeated the Lady Braves 74-65 in the first game of the evening.

Tim Henderson and Ernest Hassell each sank short from the foul line to secure the victory for the Tigers (3-9, 2-1 SWAC).

Henderson had a team-high 20 points to lead Jackson State to its second consecutive conference victory. Cliff Walker added 16 points and seven rebounds while Ishmael Joyce finished with 12.

For Alcorn State (2-13, 0-3 SWAC), Lee Cook had a game-high 22 points while Dion Callans had 14 points. Alleo Frazier finished with eight points.

The Braves jumped out to a 9-0 lead with the first ninety (90) seconds of play on fast break baskets by Callans and Jason Cable. The teams would trade baskets until Jackson State began to chip away at the Tigers lead.

Jackson State would gain the lead at the 9:43 mark of the first period on a tip-in by Adrain Perry. The Tigers would end the first half with a 40-29 lead.

Alcorn State put on a valiant comeback attempt with Cook scoring 14 points in the second period before fouling out late in the half. The Tigers’ 21-point lead would shrink to two points with 1:21 left in the game.

However, free throws by Henderson and Hassell would seal the win for Jackson State.

Jackson State now looks toward Monday night at the Williams Center as the Tigers host Southern University.