JACKSON, MS – Alcorn State men's basketball mounted a strong second-half comeback but came up short in a 71-63 loss to Jackson State on Saturday afternoon at the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center. The Braves (8-18, 8-6 SWAC) struggled offensively in the first half but found their rhythm after the break, outscoring Jackson State 42-36 in the second half.
Marcus Tankersley led Alcorn with 18 points on 9-of-19 shooting, while Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt added 13 points, five assists, and four rebounds.
Michael Pajeaud chipped in 12 points and three rebounds, while
Djahi Binet provided an inside presence with nine points and eight rebounds. The Braves shot 52.9% in the second half but were unable to overcome an early 14-point deficit.
Jackson State (10-17, 10-4 SWAC) controlled the first half, shooting 55.6% and holding Alcorn to just 25% shooting from the field. Despite a late surge by the Braves, Jackson State's
defense and clutch free throws down the stretch helped seal the win.
GAME RECAP
First Half – Jackson State 35, Alcorn 21
- Alcorn struggled to find its offensive rhythm early, missing 10 of its first 12 shots.
- Jackson State built a double-digit lead behind the inside dominance of Shannon Grant, who went 11-for-11 from the field for 25 points.
- The Braves' defense forced six turnovers, but Jackson State capitalized on their opportunities, shooting 55.6% from the floor.
- Alcorn managed just one made free throw in the half, going 1-for-1 from the line.
Second Half – Jackson State 71, Alcorn 63
- The Braves came out aggressive after halftime, opening with a 10-3 run fueled by back-to-back baskets from Gaines-Wyatt and Tankersley.
- Alcorn cut the deficit to four points with 3:45 remaining after a fast-break layup from Pajeaud.
- Jackson State responded with a key three-pointer and converted free throws to keep Alcorn from closing the gap.
- The Braves outscored the Tigers 42-36 in the second half, shooting 52.9% from the field but struggling from beyond the arc (1-for-5).
BY THE NUMBERS
- 18 – Marcus Tankersley led the Braves with 18 points, shooting 9-for-19.
- 13 & 5 – Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt added 13 points and a team-high five assists.
- 34 – Alcorn won the rebounding battle, pulling down 34 boards.
- 38.6% – The Braves shot just 38.6% from the field for the game, but improved to 52.9% in the second half.
- 9 – Djahi Binet finished with nine points and eight rebounds, controlling the interior for Alcorn.
UP NEXT
The Braves (8-18, 8-6 SWAC) return home to face Prairie View A&M on Saturday, March 1, at the Davey L. Whitney Health & Physical Education Complex. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. CST.
