COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — In a decisive performance, Daeshun Ruffin scored 25 points, propelling Jackson State to a convincing 71-50 victory over Bethune-Cookman in the semifinals of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament. With this win, the second-seeded Jackson State team moves on to face Alabama State, who is seeded fifth, in the tournament’s championship game scheduled for Saturday.
Ruffin led by example, shooting 9 of 18 from the field, successfully hitting 2 out of 3 attempts from beyond the arc, and converting 5 out of 6 free-throw attempts. His contribution was integral to the Tigers’ current standing of 16 wins and 17 losses. Teammate Jayme Mitchell also played a crucial role, adding 16 points and grabbing five rebounds. Meanwhile, Shannon Grant added to the Tigers’ efforts with 10 points, going 6 for 6 from the free-throw line, and contributing eight rebounds. This victory marked the Tigers’ sixth consecutive win.
On Bethune-Cookman’s side, now holding a record of 17 wins and 16 losses, Daniel Rouzan emerged as a key player, scoring 14 points and collecting eight rebounds. Brayon Freeman supported with 11 points, while Trey Thomas contributed with nine.
The game took a critical turn with 6:57 left in the first half when Jackson State took the lead, a position they maintained throughout the match. Notably, Ruffin led the scoring effort for the Tigers with 12 points in the first half, resulting in the team heading into halftime with a comfortable advantage of 35-24. Jackson State further extended their lead in the second half, outscoring Bethune-Cookman by 10 points. Ruffin continued to dominate, scoring 13 points after the break.
