Daeshun Ruffin scored 29 points to lead Jackson State to its first and best win over Florida A&M this season.
The guard scored 10 points in both losses to the Rattlers in the regular season. His performance offset a game-high 30 by FAMUs Roderick Coffee III.
Coffee shot 11-20 from the floor, including 4-9 from behind the arc. He was joined in double figures by Milton Matthews and Jodan Chatman who scored 18 points apiece.
Jackson State countered the trio by getting all five starters in double figures. Bigs Romelle Mansel and Shannon Grant held down the paint. The space-eater Grant ripped down 16 rebounds (13 defensive), blocked four shots, and scored 17. Mansel added 14 points on 5-6 shooting and electrified the Tigers fans with two alley-oop dunks.
Keiveon Hunt added 15 points and Dorian McMillan added 13 points to round out the top scorers for the Tigers.
Efficiency was the key to the Tigers’ win. Jackson State converted 23 of their 29 free throw attempts compared to the Rattlers’ 16-24. They were also able to keep pace with FAMU from behind the arc. The Rattlers couldn’t gain any ground in the paint where Jackson State outscored them 40-30.
Photos
All photos c. Jason McDonald, JM Photography for CORE360 Sports.