Jackson State Tigers Hold Off Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 91-86 Behind Ruffin's 28 Points

The Jackson State Tigers, with a NET ranking of 347, pulled off a stunning 91-86 victory over the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, who boasted a NET ranking of 251, a whopping 96 spots higher. This upset win marked a significant departure from the predicted 11.6-point margin in favor of Bethune-Cookman, and it was largely fueled by the impressive performance of Daeshun Ruffin, who scored 28 points and dished out 6 assists. The first half saw Jackson State take a narrow 39-37 lead, but it was their 52-point second-half explosion that ultimately sealed the deal. Bethune-Cookman, on the other hand, had been riding a 4-1 wave in their last 5 games, averaging 73 points per game, but their usually stingy defense, which had allowed just 63.6 points per game over the same stretch, was unable to contain the Jackson State offense. The Wildcats' recent trend of outscoring opponents by 9.4 points per game was also snapped, as they fell short by 5 points.

As the game progressed, it became clear that Jackson State's high-powered offense, which had averaged 79.4 points per game over their last 5 outings, was going to be a handful for Bethune-Cookman to handle. The Tigers' 39 points in the first half were a harbinger of things to come, as they continued to push the pace and find open looks in the second half. Meanwhile, Bethune-Cookman's usually reliable defense, which had allowed just 63.6 points per game over their last 5 games, was struggling to keep up. The Wildcats' 37 points in the first half were a respectable total, but they were unable to slow down the Jackson State offense in the second half, allowing 52 points over the final 20 minutes. With 10 minutes left to play, Jackson State had built a 10-point lead, but Bethune-Cookman refused to back down, trimming the deficit to just 3 points with 2:30 remaining. However, Ruffin and company were able to hold off the charge, sinking crucial free throws late to secure the 91-86 win.

The stat line doesn't fully capture the impact that Ruffin had on the game, as he consistently made big plays when it mattered most. His 28 points were a game-high, and his 6 assists helped to facilitate the Jackson State offense. Jayme Mitchell Jr. also chipped in with 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Dorian McMillian added 20 points and 7 rebounds. For Bethune-Cookman, Daniel Rouzan and Jakobi Heady formed a potent duo, scoring 25 points apiece, with Rouzan also grabbing 13 rebounds. However, the Wildcats' supporting cast was unable to provide enough firepower to keep up with the Jackson State offense. Arterio Morris, who had been a key contributor for Bethune-Cookman in recent games, was held to just 13 points on 3-14 shooting from the field. As the game wore on, it became clear that Jackson State's depth and balance were going to be too much for Bethune-Cookman to overcome.

The CHD Scout prediction of a 71-82 Bethune-Cookman win, with a predicted margin of 11.6 points, was woefully inaccurate.

The prediction model failed to account for Jackson State's recent trend of high-scoring games, as well as their ability to push the pace and exploit defensive weaknesses. The Tigers' 79.4 points per game average over their last 5 outings was a clear indication that they were capable of putting up big numbers, and they did just that against Bethune-Cookman. The model also underestimated the impact that Ruffin and company would have on the game, as they consistently made big plays and found ways to score. With 5 minutes left to play, Jackson State had built a 12-point lead, but Bethune-Cookman was able to trim the deficit to just 5 points with 1:30 remaining. However, the Tigers were able to hold on, thanks in large part to their 52% shooting from the field and 38% shooting from three-point range.

As the final buzzer sounded, it was clear that this win was a significant one for Jackson State, and it could have major implications for their tournament picture.

The win moves Jackson State to 9-17 on the season, and while they are still a long shot to make the tournament, this victory could be a crucial one in terms of building momentum and confidence. The Tigers' Quad 4 win over Bethune-Cookman, also a Quad 4 opponent, may not be enough to get them onto the bubble, but it does give them a much-needed boost in the NET rankings. For Bethune-Cookman, the loss is a setback, but they still boast a respectable 13-13 record and a NET ranking of 251. The Wildcats must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for the tournament, but for now, they are on the outside looking in. With just a few games remaining on the schedule, every outing is crucial, and this loss could prove to be a costly one for Bethune-Cookman. The Wildcats' 4-1 record over their last 5 games had them trending in the right direction, but this loss snaps that streak and leaves them searching for answers.

The aftermath of this game will be fascinating to watch, as both teams look to build on this result and make a push for the tournament. Jackson State's 91-86 win over Bethune-Cookman will be remembered as one of the biggest upsets of the season, and it could be a turning point for the Tigers as they look to close out the season on a high note. With their recent trend of high-scoring games and their ability to push the pace, Jackson State is a team to watch in the coming weeks. The Tigers' 79.4 points per game average over their last 5 outings is a clear indication that they are capable of putting up big numbers, and they want to continue that trend as they face off against their remaining opponents. For Bethune-Cookman, the loss is a setback, but they still have time to regroup and refocus. The Wildcats' 13-13 record and NET ranking of 251 leave them on the outside looking in, but they can still make a push for the tournament with a strong finish to the season. The next few games matters for both teams, and it will be interesting to see how they respond to this result.