Preview: Jackson State Lady Tigers at Mississippi Valley State Devilettes

AVALON, Miss. (Interstat) — Two Southwestern Athletic Conference women’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the Jackson State Lady Tigers visit the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes.

The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. CST at the LeFlore County Civic Center.

Jackson State (6-16) enters after a narrow 74-68 road loss at Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Thursday. The Lady Tigers showed offensive spark in the defeat, with Rhema Pegues scoring 15 points and dishing five assists. Jada Patton and Mikayla Brown each added 13 points.

Mississippi Valley State (4-15) last played on Jan. 31, suffering a heartbreaking 68-66 home loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Ariel Jefferson powered the Devilettes in that contest, recording a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Jefferson will be a focal point for the Valley offense. She is coming off a 17-point performance in a win over Bethune-Cookman on Jan. 17 and has been a consistent contributor.

For Jackson State, guard Rhema Pegues has been a key performer. She is averaging 10.2 points per game over her last eight contests, including a 20-point outing in a win at Alabama State on Jan. 10. Her playmaking and scoring will be critical for the Lady Tigers’ chances.

Both teams have struggled for consistency this season. Jackson State has won two of its last five SWAC games, while Mississippi Valley State has one win in its last five conference outings.

This matchup represents a chance for either squad to build confidence heading into the final stretch of the regular season. The teams will meet again in the regular-season finale at Jackson State on March 5.

Following this game, Jackson State will host Bethune-Cookman on Feb. 12. Mississippi Valley State hits the road for a game at Alabama State on Feb. 12.