By Leon Mitchell, Grambling State Athletic Communications
GRAMBLING — Grambling State fell short against Jackson State, suffering a 67-56 defeat in a Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup on Saturday at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
The loss drops Grambling State to 8-12 overall and 5-4 in SWAC play, while Jackson State improves to 9-11 overall and 7-2 in the conference.
Jackson State controlled the game from the opening tip, jumping out to a 17-8 lead after the first quarter. Grambling State struggled offensively in the opening period, shooting just 26.7% from the field.
The Tigers found some rhythm in the second quarter, but Jackson State maintained a 35-21 advantage at halftime.
In the third quarter, Grambling State tried to chip away at the deficit. However, Jackson State’s defense remained strong, limiting Grambling to 13 points in the period.
Jackson State extended its lead to 57-36 midway through the fourth quarter before Grambling State responded with a late 5-0 run. Despite the late push, Jackson State remained in control, closing out the game with a double-digit victory.
Douthsine Prien led Grambling State with 11 points, five rebounds, and four assists while adding six steals. Sharonica Hartsfield contributed eight points, including a late three-pointer, along with three rebounds and six steals.
Jackson State was led by Diaka Berete, who delivered a game-high 26 points while shooting 9-of-14 from the field and 6-of-10 from three-point range. Taleah Dilworth contributed 16 points and five rebounds, while Zoe Cooper dominated the glass with 13 rebounds.
Jackson State out-rebounded Grambling State 45-29, including a 12-10 edge in offensive boards. The visitors also capitalized from beyond the arc, shooting 45.0% (9-of-20) from three-point range compared to Grambling State’s 20.0% (2-of-10).
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Grambling State shot 34.5% from the field (19-of-55) and 20.0% from three-point range (2-of-10). The Tigers converted 16-of-30 free throws (53.3%).
- Jackson State shot 44.6% from the field (25-of-56) and 45.0% from beyond the arc (9-of-20). They were a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line.
- Jackson State dominated the boards, out-rebounding Grambling State 45-29, including a 12-10 edge in offensive rebounds.
- Grambling State forced 31 turnovers while collecting 22 steals but struggled to convert on the offensive end.
- Jackson State’s largest lead was 21 points in the fourth quarter.
UP NEXT
Grambling State will look to bounce back as the Tigers travel to Huntsville, Alabama, to face Alabama A&M on Thursday, February 6, at 6 p.m.