From Grambling State Sports Information:
GRAMBLING, La. | The Grambling State University men’s basketball team will look to get back into the win column on Saturday as GSU visits Jackson State in a key Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) game.
Tip-off from Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center is set for 5:3 p.m.
Grambling State (13-13 overall, 7-6 SWAC), which fell into the fifth spot after home losses to Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M last week, will look to avoid a season sweep at the hands of Jackson State. GSU, which is behind Prairie View A&M, Texas Southern, Alabama State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the standings, suffered back-to-back losses after winning four straight.
Jackson State (9-17, 6-7) enters the weekend matchup on a four-game losing streak. JSU dropped games to Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern and will be seeking a season sweep of Grambling State after a 65-63 win on Jan. 26.
ABOUT JACKSON STATE
> Jackson State is averaging 61.2 points per game, while its opponents are averaging 67.5 points
> JSU is shooting 39.4 percent from the field and 63.2 percent from the foul line
> Venjie Wallis paces the Jackson State offense at 11.9 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, followed by Chris Howell at 11.6 points and 7.9 boards per game
LAST TIME OUT
> Grambling State is coming off a 92-87 loss on Monday night to Prairie View A&M
> Prince Moss had a career night with 26 points and nine rebounds, while Ivy Smith, Jr. added 25 points, including 15 points from the free-throw line. Dallas Polk-Hilliard added 10 points
> The Tigers shot 47.2 percent from the floor and 65.1 percent from the free-throw line
NOTABLES
> Ivy Smith leads the SWAC in assists per game, free-throws attempted, free-throws made and total assists
> Dallas Polk-Hilliard is second in the conference in double-doubles with six
> The Tigers lead the SWAC in 13 different categories, including total rebounds and total rebounds per game
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
> Grambling State surpassed the 100-point plateau in a 105-68 victory over Jarvis Christian to begin the season
> The Tigers defeated Niagara on Nov. 23 in the Fort Myers Tip-Off Classic
> Grambling State won back-to-back games over Portland and Southeastern Louisiana
> Ivy Smith, Jr. poured in 24 points, including the game-winner, in an 88-87 overtime win over Texas Southern on Jan. 19
PRESEASON POLL
> Grambling State was predicted to win to repeat as the SWAC regular season champion
GRAMBLING STATE BASKETBALL HISTORY
> Grambling State won its first SWAC regular season championship in 30 years last year
> Charles “Charlie Red) Hardnett and Willis Reed are notable alums of the basketball program
UP NEXT
Grambling State visits Jackson State on Saturday before having a week off. GSU will travel to Arkansas-Pine Bluff (March 2) and Mississippi Valley State (March 4).
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