Tough home loss against Grambling State in conference play

By Alisha Reese, CMT

JA Correspondent

In the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Jackson State basketball came up just short in a tough battle at home, falling 69–66 to Grambling State on Saturday, January 31st.

Daeshun Ruffin’s strong offensive performance led the Tigers, scoring 38 points and setting the tone for the game. Key plays down the stretch were made by Dionjahe Thomas and Delyle Williams. Raevon Thomas contributed 12 points, and Jayme Mitchell Jr. grabbed 8 rebounds.

Despite the outcome, Ruffin’s performance stood out, as he led all scorers with 38 points in a game that came down to the final possession. Following the game, the senior guard discussed the closing game moments, and the responsibility that comes with stepping into a leadership role. When asked about his recent accomplishments on the court, Ruffin emphasized that his focus remains on the success of the team, taking it one game at a time. He also shared that the coaching staff challenged the team to bring more energy and compete at a higher level, offering no excuses while holding himself and his teammates accountable for the overall performance. 

Here’s a recap of Ruffin’s December-January highlights: Delivering multiple 30+ point performances, including a career-high 39 points and 10 assists. His consistent production and late-game impact earned him SWAC Impact Player of the Week honors, along with SWAC Player of the Week recognition. Ruffin also crossed the 1,000-career-point milestone. 

Did You Know? Ruffin attended Callaway High School and made history as the school’s first McDonald’s All-American signee.