Jackson State's Dorian McMillian stole the show, pouring in 25 points to lead his team to a 94-89 victory over Texas Southern. The high-scoring contest saw both teams combine for 183 points, with McMillian's performance proving to be the difference-maker. Texas Southern's Bryce Roberts kept his team in the game, scoring 26 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Jackson State.
At halftime, Jackson State held a 45-38 lead, thanks in large part to McMillian's 12 first-half points. However, Texas Southern refused to back down, with Roberts scoring 15 of his 26 points in the second half to keep the pressure on Jackson State. The home team's supporting cast, including Daeshun Ruffin and Dionjahe Thomas, stepped up to help secure the win. Ruffin dished out 16 assists to go along with his 22 points, while Thomas chipped in with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout the second half. Jackson State's 49-point second-half output was just enough to hold off Texas Southern's 51-point effort. The visitors' Troy Hupstead added 23 points and 15 rebounds, and Alex Anderson contributed 16 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the home team's balanced attack.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Texas Southern winning by 2 points, but Jackson State had other plans. The actual score of 94-89 was a far cry from the predicted 70-70 tie, showcasing the unpredictability of college basketball. The incorrect prediction serves as a reminder that even the most informed forecasts can go awry.
The win improves Jackson State's record to 5-13, while Texas Southern falls to 4-13. While neither team is likely to make a deep postseason run, this game will still have implications for their tournament resumes. As a Quadrant 4 game for both teams, the outcome won't significantly boost either team's chances, but it does give Jackson State a much-needed win. For Texas Southern, the loss drops them to 0-1 in Quadrant 4 games against teams ranked near the bottom of the NET rankings, like Jackson State. The Tigers must regroup and focus on their upcoming schedule to try and bolster their tournament chances, however slim they may be. For Jackson State, the victory provides a glimmer of hope, but they'll need to string together more wins to make a meaningful impact on their resume.