AVALON, Miss. (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive firepower and a decisive second-half surge, the Jackson State Tigers defeated the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils 97-81 in a Southwestern Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at the LeFlore County Civic Center.

The contest featured a spectacular scoring duel, but Jackson State’s efficiency and rebounding dominance proved too much for a Delta Devils squad that has now lost 22 of its 23 games this season. The Tigers improved to 7-16.

Jackson State guard Jayme Mitchell, a Jackson native, delivered a career-high 39 points, leading all scorers and powering the Tigers’ attack. His performance marked a significant rebound from a five-point outing in his previous game. Mississippi Valley State was paced by the backcourt duo of Michael James, who scored 32 points, and Daniel Mayfield, who added 30 points and a block.

The most important phase of the game came early in the second half, when Jackson State transformed a narrow seven-point halftime lead into a commanding advantage. After leading 45-38 at the break, the Tigers opened the second period with increased defensive pressure and a more efficient offensive rhythm. They quickly extended their lead, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities generated by 18 offensive rebounds, which led to a 20-8 advantage in second-chance points for the game.

Mississippi Valley State, which fell to 1-22, kept pace early behind the hot shooting of James and Mayfield. The Delta Devils even held advantages in fast-break points, assists and steals, but they could not overcome Jackson State’s volume and precision from the free-throw line. The Tigers attempted 35 free throws, making 29, while the Delta Devils went 16 for 24 from the stripe.

Despite shooting a lower percentage from the field overall, Jackson State’s offensive rating of 120.3 points per 100 possessions far outpaced Mississippi Valley State’s 106.0, underscoring the Tigers’ ability to generate more scoring opportunities through rebounds and trips to the line. Jackson State also hit 12 three-pointers to the Delta Devils’ seven.

Beyond Mitchell’s outburst, Jackson State received 23 points from Dorian McMillian and 13 points from Dionjahe Thomas. For Mississippi Valley State, X’Zaevion Barnett contributed six assists and a steal in a full 40 minutes of play.

The game was played before an announced crowd of 573. Jackson State will travel to face Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Monday. Mississippi Valley State is scheduled to host Alcorn State, also on Monday.