Preview: Jackson State Tigers at Alabama State Hornets

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Interstat) — Two SWAC men’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the Alabama State Hornets host the Jackson State Tigers at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.

Both programs enter the contest with difficult non-conference records. Jackson State (2-12) earned its second win of the season last Saturday, holding off Alcorn State 89-86. Alabama State (4-10) split its first two conference games, falling 90-79 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Monday after an 89-69 win at Mississippi Valley State.

The matchup features a marquee individual battle at guard, pitting Jackson State’s high-scoring Daeshun Ruffin against Alabama State’s Cam Palesse.

Ruffin has been a bright spot for the Tigers, averaging 26.6 points over his last five games. He is coming off a 31-point, 8-assist performance in the win over Alcorn State. His ability to create offense will be central to Jackson State’s hopes.

Palesse leads the Hornets and is coming off a 19-point effort in the loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff. His backcourt mate, Asjon Anderson, added 23 points in that game, giving Alabama State a potent scoring combination.

While both teams have struggled overall, conference play offers a reset. Jackson State will look to build on its first SWAC victory, while Alabama State aims to protect its home floor and even its conference record.

The game tips off at approximately 5:00 p.m. CST on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026.