Jackson State men's basketball has played 16 games. Here's what we know.
Just past the halfway point of the season, with 13 regular-season games left, Jackson State basketball is tied with Bethune Cookman for fourth place in the SWAC.
After dropping their first three conference games, the Tigers defeated Prairie View on Saturday and Texas Southern on Monday at home.
The Tigers seem to be breaking out of their offensive slump. The 75-64 win against Prairie View was their first time scoring more than 60 on a SWAC opponent, and the 75 points is tied with the Illinois State game for the most they've scored this season.
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Here's a look at where the Tigers (4-12, 2-3 SWAC) stand after 16 games.
The good news: Despite its early struggles, JSU has plenty of opportunities to gain ground in SWAC standings. Jackson State is holding opponents to 67.4 points per game, which is the best in the SWAC. Jayveous McKinnis is leading the conference in rebounds per game (9.9) and field goal percentage.
The bad news: While it boasts the SWAC's best defense, Jackson State is last in points per game with 58.1. The Tigers are also last in free-throw percentage, shooting just under 63%. The Tigers are giving up 9.3 points more than they're scoring, and it's because of the offense not the defense.
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The X-factor: Malachi Wideman, the wide receiver who led Jackson State football in receiving touchdowns, has joined the basketball team. The Tennessee transfer has played in four games and made two starts. He's averaging 8 points and has already had several highlight reel-worthy dunks. Look for the 6-foot-5 guard to be an impact player for JSU during the second half of the season.
Key games left
At Florida A&M (Jan. 24): Florida A&M is in a three-way tie at the top of the SWAC East. Grabbing a win over the Rattlers on the road would keep JSU's much needed momentum going.
Vs. Grambling (Jan. 29): This is a neutral site game that will be played in Mobile, Alabama. Like FAMU, Grambling is right there in the mix at the top of the SWAC standings.
Home vs. Southern (Jan. 31): Southern has been the team to beat in the SWAC. The Jaguars' trip to Jackson should prove to be an important test as January comes to a close.
At Alcorn (Feb. 19): The Tigers fell to rival Alcorn at home in the conference opener. JSU went 1-of-14 from 3-point range. If the Tigers can find their shooting stroke, things could end up going differently on the road.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson State basketball has played 16 games. Here's what we know.
