JACKSON, Miss. (Interstat) — In a high-octane Southwestern Athletic Conference clash defined by offensive efficiency and a standout individual performance, the Jackson State Tigers outlasted the Texas Southern Tigers 94-89 on Monday night at the Lee Williams Athletic Center.

The game, played before an intimate crowd of 654, was a showcase for Jackson State guard Daeshun Ruffin. The Jackson native delivered a masterclass, orchestrating the home team’s offense with a career-high 16 assists while adding 22 points in 40 minutes of action. His command of the game was the central narrative, as he consistently broke down the Texas Southern defense to create high-percentage shots for his teammates.

Jackson State, which improved to 5-13 overall, set the tone early with a sharp-shooting first half, connecting on 45 points to take a seven-point lead into the break. Texas Southern, which fell to 4-13, kept pace behind the scoring of Bryce Roberts, who finished with a game-high 26 points, and a strong interior presence from Troy Hupstead, who added 23 points.

The most critical phase of the contest came in the final minutes, as Texas Southern mounted a persistent comeback attempt. After trailing for much of the second half, the visitors chipped away at the deficit, closing to within a single possession on multiple occasions. The game was ultimately decided at the free-throw line, where Jackson State excelled all night, converting 24 of 28 attempts. In the tense final 35 seconds, Jackson State sealed the victory by making five of six free throws, including two from Dorian McMillian with eight seconds remaining to push the lead to five and effectively end the threat.

McMillian was the primary beneficiary of Ruffin’s playmaking, scoring 25 points on efficient shooting. Dionjahe Thomas provided a formidable inside presence for Jackson State with 17 points and several key defensive plays, including a block. For Texas Southern, Alex Anderson contributed 16 points and Duane Posey came off the bench to provide a vital spark with 12 points.

Statistically, the game was a study in offensive execution. Both teams had an identical 74 possessions, but Jackson State proved more efficient, posting an offensive rating of 126.5 compared to Texas Southern’s 119.6. The home team shot 53.4% from the field and a stellar 85.7% from the foul line. Texas Southern countered with a 49.2% shooting performance and won the battle on the offensive glass, grabbing 12 rebounds to Jackson State’s seven, but their 8-for-28 shooting from three-point range proved a significant hurdle.

The victory marked a successful start to a key homestand for Jackson State, which entered the game as a narrow 1.5-point favorite. Texas Southern, coming off a last-second road win at Alcorn State, saw its hopes for consecutive conference wins dashed despite a valiant effort that saw them score 51 points in the second half.

Both teams continue SWAC play on Saturday. Jackson State travels to face Bethune-Cookman, while Texas Southern returns home to host Alabama A&M.