Bethune Cookman was down 17 points in the second half 56-73 went on a 16-3 run cutting the Tiger’s lead to 4 points. The Bethune Cookman Wildcats found their offense and stopped allowing Jackson State to get second opportunities to score baskets to get within striking distance to pull off the upset against the Tigers at home in their new Boom Blue uniforms.
The Tigers weren’t going to be denied winning this game led by Daeshun Ruffin scoring 37 points, going 5 of 9 behind the three-point line. Ruffin’s ability to drive the ball to the basket against the Wildcats’ defense getting fouled making 8 of 10 free throws and Romelle Mansel scoring 16 points with 7 rebounds was pivotal for the Tigers to secure the win 86-81.
The overall stats show this game being close from a field goal percentage standpoint. Bethune Cookman’s field goal percentage for the game was 46% compared to Jackson State’s 47%. The most glaring stat was the 18 turnovers Bethune Cookman had in the game. The Wildcats must find a way to improve their turnovers to prevent Jackson State from getting easy baskets. Jackson State took advantage of the Wildcats’ miscues, scoring 20 points off turnovers.
The Wildcats had four players that scored double digits, Trey Thomas scored 20, Daniel Rouszan scored 18, Jesus Carralero Martin scored 17 and Kalil Camara scored 15. The Wildcats may try to extend their defense full court hoping to force Ruffin to get the ball out of his hands, making someone other than Ruffin the leading scorer for the Jackson State team. Jackson State will travel to Daytona Beach to face Bethune Cookman on February 17th for their season’s second match-up. Jackson State will look to sweep Bethune Cookman to keep pace with Southern University which is currently 1st in the SWAC conference with a record of 6-0. In contrast, Bethune Cookman will look to split their head-to-head match-up with Jackson State which could be pivotal for seeding when the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament begins.