Preview: Jackson State Tigers at Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Interstat) — Two SWAC teams riding winning streaks will meet Saturday when the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats host the Jackson State Tigers at Moore Gymnasium.

Jackson State (5-13, 4-1 SWAC) has won four straight conference games after a difficult non-conference slate. Bethune-Cookman (7-11, 4-1) has won three of its last four, including an 87-82 overtime road victory at Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Monday.

The matchup features two of the league’s most dynamic scorers. Jackson State is powered by guard Daeshun Ruffin, who is in the midst of a sensational stretch. Over his last six games, Ruffin is averaging 28.7 points and 9.2 assists. He posted a 39-point, 10-assist effort in a loss at Alabama A&M on Jan. 12 and followed with a 22-point, 16-assist performance in Monday’s 94-89 win over Texas Southern.

Bethune-Cookman counters with guard Jakobi Heady, who is averaging 20.8 points over his last five contests. Heady scored 25 points in the overtime win at Arkansas-Pine Bluff and had 23 in a road victory at Mississippi Valley State last Saturday.

While both teams have struggled overall this season, they have found rhythm in SWAC play. Jackson State’s resurgence has been keyed by its offense during the win streak, averaging 85.0 points per game in conference action. Bethune-Cookman has relied on a stout defense, holding SWAC opponents to an average of 71.2 points.

The Tigers won both meetings last season. In their most recent trip to Daytona Beach on Feb. 11, 2025, Jackson State secured a 72-68 victory.

Following this game, Jackson State will travel to face Florida A&M on Monday. Bethune-Cookman will remain at home to host Alcorn State that same night.

Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. EST Saturday.