G-Men Mistakes Give JSU 61-58 Win

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- The Grambling State University Tigers (6-20, 3-11 SWAC) lost by three to the Jackson State University Tigers (15-12, 10-4 SWAC) on their home court. The game ended with a strong second half effort by GSU, pulling the game within four points with only 10 seconds remaining. But the Tigers fell short, losing 58-61.

Arnold Richmond led Grambling State scoring with 20 points. Deonte Hearns contributed eight points and 10 rebounds. JSU scoring was led by Raeford Worsham with 16 points.

Though GSU's G-Men lost the game, they made a strong comeback effort. They just made too many mistakes. "We lost the game early in the second half. We turned the ball over and we came up with too many empty offensive possessions", said GSU head coach Shawn Walker.

It was a slow start for both teams as each scored under 10 points in the first seven minutes of the half. Two 3-pointers from GSU's Arnold Richmond put the Tigers up by five with 11 minutes to go. JSU answered with back-to-back buckets, putting them within one with seven minutes left in the half. JSU scored seven points off of GSU turnovers, giving them a three-point lead over the Tigers.

GSU remained scoreless for over three minutes until free throws by Nigel Riberio and a 3-pointer by Ervin Mitchell put the Tigers up by one. The Tigers of JSU began to pull away with a 3-pointer from Yettra Specks and back-to-back layups from Janarius Middleton and Chase Franklin. Middleton and Specks each had six points. JSU led by five at the half, 30-25.

Both teams started the second half with intensity, defensively and offensively. JSU fouls put Grambling State on the line early and brought GSU within two. Grambling State turnovers allowed JSU to stretch their lead to nine points with less than 16 minutes left. JSU shot over 50 percent from the field, leaving the Tigers behind by 13. Three-pointers from Specks and Javeres Brent kept JSU on top.

With under 10 minutes left in the game, 3-pointers from GSU's Richmond and Riberio put the Tigers within nine. JSU had 13 second chance points to expand their lead with under eight minutes left. JSU guard Raeford Worsham converted a 3-point play, putting JSU up by 10. The Tigers struggled to score with only 12 points scored in under 10 minutes. With three minutes left in the half, JSU led by 10.

The Grambling State Tigers face the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions Saturday (February 27) at 5 p.m. in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.

BRE'ANNA JOHNSON, GSU Sports Media
COURTESY GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS