How Bout Them Tigers doing it big in the SWAC

ASU’s Tyson makes strong rush for a first down. Photo by Wakil Atig

Wakil Atig
Editor-in-Chief

The Tigers of Jackson State University have been dismantling all competition this season. The Women’s basketball team won the SWAC regular season championship and the Men’s team made it to the SWAC tournament.

The Lady Tigers took on Baylor University in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Despite losing in the first round, The Lady Tigers were the only Division 1 school in the state of Mississippi in men and women’s sports to play in the NCAA tournament.

The men’s basketball team suffered a traumatic loss to Alabama A&M in the semifinals of the SWAC tournament. Although they were the favorites in the tournament, the Tigers could not manage to pull through in their overtime loss.

The football team traveled down to Alabama State University and took on the Hornets in what would be a battle of the ages. ASU is a longtime rival of JSU and this matchup has been one of the most anticipated SWAC matches of the season.

The Tigers entered this game with a flawless 3-0 record after ripping through Mississippi Valley in their previous matchup. The Tigers also were ranked nationally amongst collegiate programs at number 24.

The game got off to a slow start as both teams failed to get in any type of offensive rhythm. As the first quarter ended scoreless. JSU would go to nail a field goal in the second quarter, but their lead would not last long as ASU quickly converted on a rushing touchdown to close out the half.

As the game came to an end, JSU just could not execute down the stretch to finish off ASU.

ASU edged the Tigers 35-28 in JSU’s first loss of the season.

Taronta Gines, a senior accounting major from Moss Point, Miss., is beyond excited for what is in store for the Tigers.

“The Tigers have impressed me so far this season. I’m just glad I chose JSU as my school. With the way this semester has been going, I know we will only go farther in the fall. The football team is surprisingly dusting off all competition, which is new to all of us as fans. I’m sure they can sharpen up after the last game and bounce back in the next game,” said Gines.

Kemiya Lewis, a junior education major from Chicago, Ill., is so excited for what JSU has done so far this season.

“The spring season has been working in our favor thus far. The women’s basketball team has really set the standard for all athletic programs by making the NCAA tournament. I’m so glad for them. Let’s see what the football and volleyball team do,” Lewis stated.