Southern's trip to the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center on February 2 ended with a 96-91 win over Jackson State, a result that was predicted by CHD Scout, who had Southern favored by 7.5 points. While the margin of victory was slightly narrower than anticipated, the outcome was correct, and Southern's performance was marked by key contributions from its top players.
Fazl Oshodi led the charge for Southern, scoring 26 points to pace the team. He was complemented by DaMariee Jones, who posted a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Malek Abdelgowad, who chipped in with 14 points and 8 rebounds. This balanced attack allowed Southern to build a strong foundation in the first half, as they took a 48-37 lead into the break.
Jackson State, however, refused to back down, led by the outstanding play of Daeshun Ruffin. Ruffin was nearly unstoppable, scoring 35 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and dishing out 8 assists. His efforts, along with 22 points from Jayme Mitchell Jr. and 17 points from Devin Ree, helped Jackson State stay within striking distance. The Tigers outscored Southern 47-36 in the second half, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The game was marked by a frenetic pace, with both teams combining for 187 points. Southern's ability to score efficiently and limit Jackson State's scoring opportunities ultimately was the difference. Despite Ruffin's incredible performance, Jackson State was unable to overcome the hole they dug for themselves in the first half.
This game had real consequences for both teams' resumes, as it was classified as a Quadrant 4 game for both Southern and Jackson State. Given the current net rankings, with Southern at 295 and Jackson State at 348, this win will likely have a minimal impact on Southern's tournament chances. However, it does provide a much-needed boost to their overall record, moving them to 9-13 on the season.
For Jackson State, the loss drops them to 6-16, and while Ruffin's performance was a highlight, the team's struggles continue. The Tigers must regroup and focus on their remaining schedule if they hope to make a push for a stronger finish to the season. As for Southern, they want to build on this win, using it as momentum to drive their performance in upcoming games. The victory may not significantly alter their tournament trajectory, but it is a step in the right direction for a team seeking to make a late-season surge.