Grambling State's trip to the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center proved successful, as they took down Jackson State 69-66 in a closely contested matchup. While the final score may not have reflected the predicted 10.2-point margin in favor of Grambling, the Tigers' victory was a reflection of their depth and resilience. CHD Scout's pre-game prediction of a Grambling win was correct, although the actual margin of victory was much slimmer than anticipated.
Daeshun Ruffin stole the show for Jackson State, pouring in 38 points to go along with 5 assists. His impressive performance kept the Tigers of Jackson State within striking distance throughout the contest. However, Grambling State's balanced attack ultimately proved too much to overcome. Antonio Munoz led the way for Grambling, contributing 15 points and 6 rebounds, while Rickey Ballard and Jamil Muttilib added 15 and 14 points, respectively.
The first half saw Grambling State take control, racing out to a 37-32 lead at the break. Jackson State refused to back down, however, and a strong second-half effort from Ruffin and company kept the pressure on Grambling. Despite a 34-point second half from Jackson State, Grambling's defense held firm, limiting the Tigers to just 66 points on the evening.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
While the loss will undoubtedly sting for Jackson State, it's worth noting that this contest was classified as a Quadrant 4 game for both teams. As such, the impact on their respective resumes may be limited. For Grambling State, the win keeps them at a net ranking of 275, while Jackson State's net ranking remains at 346.
The victory for Grambling State serves as a confidence booster, particularly given the closely contested nature of the game. With multiple players contributing on the offensive end, the Tigers demonstrated an ability to adapt and overcome adversity. As the season wears on, this type of resilience matters in determining Grambling's tournament chances.
In terms of tournament implications, this result does little to alter the landscape for either team. Grambling State's win helps to solidify their position, but the Quadrant 4 designation means it won't carry significant weight in the eyes of the selection committee. For Jackson State, the loss is a missed opportunity to pick up a win against a comparable opponent. As the Tigers of Jackson State look to rebound from this setback, they'll need to regroup and refocus in order to make a push for postseason contention. The loss drops Jackson State to 6-15 on the season, while Grambling State improves to 9-10. With the win, Grambling State takes a small step forward in their pursuit of a tournament berth, but there is still much work to be done.