Jackson State Eyes SWAC Championship Showdown Against Alabama State

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — The Jackson State Tigers are set to face the Alabama State Hornets in the championship game of the 2025 Starry SWAC Men’s Basketball Tournament, scheduled for Saturday, March 15, at 8:30 PM CDT. Jackson State’s recent success has them poised to claim the crown after a strong postseason run.

After a 97-40 loss to the University of Houston on November 4, head coach Mo Williams expressed confidence in his team’s potential. “That team’s going to be a good team in January,” Williams said postgame. He emphasized that basketball experts understand the team’s capabilities despite their rocky start, where they ended up with an overall record of 18-17, following a powerful season in which they finished as runner-ups in the SWAC with a 14-4 record.

The Tigers opened their season with a victory over Belhaven, but faced a daunting challenge with 14 consecutive non-conference losses. Contrary to the typical doubts from head coaches, Williams remained optimistic, asserting, “Obviously, we have a really good team. I think that’s the part of viewers and people don’t understand. We’re a good basketball team. It doesn’t look like it from a score standpoint, but we’re at a disadvantage in all regards [vs. Houston].” His leadership has been integral in rallying a team comprised of new talent.

Leading the Tigers is point guard Daeshun Ruffin, whose playmaking skills and scoring ability have been pivotal for the team’s success. He is supported by starters Romelle Mansel, Kavion Hunt, Dorian McMillian, Shannon Grant, and sixth-man Jayme Mitchell Jr. Jackson State’s roster is characterized by depth and versatility, making them a formidable contender against Alabama State.

The matchup on January 11 at the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center in Jackson, Mississippi, ended with Jackson State claiming a 77-70 victory. Sophomore guard Amarr Knox was instrumental in that game, scoring 24 points. Meanwhile, Alabama State’s Tyler Mack, known for his three-point shooting, remains a key player to watch after failing to score in the previous encounter.

As the championship approaches, both coaches, Williams for Jackson State and Tony Madlock for Alabama State, project confidence in their respective squads. Alabama State enters the game with an 18-15 record, also showcasing strong performance through the tournament after defeating Texas Southern and Grambling State earlier in the playoffs.

With their opponents being well-rounded and resilient, Jackson State must remain vigilant. The SWAC Tournament championship takes place at the Gateway Center, and the game will be broadcast live on ESPNU.

Jackson State’s recent performance, including a commanding 91-76 win against Florida A&M, has solidified their reputation as strong conference contenders. Ruffin’s remarkable scoring capabilities—he scored 29 points in that victory—combined with contributions from his teammates are a testament to Jackson State’s offensive prowess. Along with an impressive shooting percentage of 61.2% in that game, the Tigers showcase an evolution of teamwork under pressure.

The expectations for the championship clash are high. Predictions indicate a fierce competition, with analysts anticipating a close finish. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Jackson State is currently favored to win the tournament title, but the unpredictable nature of postseason basketball leaves room for surprises.

Latest analytics suggest Jackson State may have a clearer road to an NCAA Tournament bid, while Alabama State looks to challenge their rivals for the SWAC’s last automatic spot. The stakes are high, and for both programs, this game will not only determine the conference champion but also shape their national tournament fate.