MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive inefficiency and defensive pressure, Daeshun Ruffin’s scoring brilliance proved to be the decisive factor. The Jackson State guard poured in a game-high 36 points, carrying the Tigers to a 75-64 victory over Alabama State in a Southwestern Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at a sparsely attended Dunn-Oliver Acadome.

The contest, witnessed by 895 fans, was a struggle for both teams from the field. Jackson State (3-12, 1-0 SWAC) shot just 36.2%, connecting on 21 of 58 attempts. Alabama State (4-11, 0-1) was even colder, finishing at 32.9% on 24-of-73 shooting. The most glaring disparity came from beyond the arc, where the Hornets managed a dismal 2 for 22, while the Tigers hit 5 of 19.

The most important stretch of the game came early, as Jackson State established a lead it would never relinquish. Sparked by Ruffin and a disruptive defense, the Tigers opened the game on a 15-3 run over the first six and a half minutes. Alabama State committed five turnovers during that opening salvo, and Jackson State converted them into easy opportunities. The Hornets, meanwhile, started 1 for 9 from the floor, a hole from which they could never fully escape.

Alabama State’s offensive woes were encapsulated by its three-point shooting and an inability to capitalize on a massive rebounding advantage. The Hornets dominated the glass, hauling in 24 offensive rebounds to Jackson State’s 9, leading to a 77-78 possession edge. However, they converted those extra chances into only 64 points, posting an offensive rating of 83.1. Jackson State, despite having fewer opportunities, was more efficient with its possessions, scoring 75 points on 78 trips for a 95.9 offensive rating, largely fueled by a 28-for-32 performance at the free-throw line.

Ruffin, a 5-foot-10 guard from Jackson, Mississippi, was the engine for the Tigers. He played 37 minutes, adding five assists and five steals to his 36-point outburst. He relentlessly attacked the basket, drawing fouls and converting 14 of 16 free throws. His backcourt mate, Tamarion Hoover, provided crucial support with 16 points off the bench, including three three-pointers.

Alabama State’s offense was led by Tyler Byrd with 18 points and Asjon Anderson with 16, but the backcourt combined to shoot 12 of 35 from the field. Forward Damarien Yates posted a double-double with 12 points and a game-high effort on the boards, while Jerquarius Stanback added nine points and three blocks.

Jackson State took a 37-27 lead into halftime and maintained control throughout the second half. Every time Alabama State threatened to cut the deficit to single digits, Ruffin answered. A driving layup by Byrd brought the Hornets within 59-52 with just over four minutes to play, but Ruffin responded with a tough layup on the ensuing possession. Alabama State never got closer than nine points the rest of the way, as the Tigers sealed the game at the foul line.

The Tigers’ defense forced 18 Alabama State turnovers, converting them into 10 steals. Jackson State committed 14 turnovers of its own. The win marked a successful SWAC opener for Jackson State, which had lost 12 of its first 14 games, many against high-major non-conference opponents. Alabama State saw its two-game conference win streak from the previous season snapped.

Both teams return to action Monday in SWAC play. Jackson State travels to face Alabama A&M, while Alabama State remains at home to host Alcorn State.