Cameron Adams
\n<\/span>Sports Editor\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center was electrifying as the Jackson State Tigers faced off against the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff\u2019s Golden Lions on Feb. 6, 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n

The game ended dramatically as the game went into double overtime, with Jackson State coming out on top (88-84). With this victory, the Tigers tie the Lions for the fourth seed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The beginning of the game was intense as both teams scored back-to-back buckets and provided great effort on the defensive end.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jackson State was also a force from behind the arc, notching seven of their ten threes in the first half alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Tigers went into the half, 38-28 looking to extend their ten-point lead after the break.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

despite going into halftime with the lead, UAPB was able to cut the deficit thanks to some stellar defense.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After multiple defensive stops, the once-trailing Lions tied the game, 45-45. This caused Jackson State head coach, Mo Williams to encourage his team to stay aggressive. He also emphasized paint protection.<\/span><\/p>\n

In desperate need of some momentum Jackson State remained determined to pull away from the Lions. After an emphatic putback dunk, from 6\u20199 junior forward, Romelle Mansell the arena was electric.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mansell was a key contributor for the Tigers, putting up 18 points and 13 rebounds. He was one of five Tigers to score in double figures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The energy immediately shifted after UAPB responded with a three-point play, following a foul call.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The second half was a back-and-forth effort, as time continued to count down. The pressure of the matchup was intense not only for the players and coaches but for the referees as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The referees were constantly receiving backlash from the rowdy crowd and coaches. Following a late-game foul call, the referees were heavily criticized since the call appeared to be false and resulted in UAPB taking the lead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With less than two minutes to go, the Tigers were trailing by two and looking for a basket to keep hope alive. That hope came in the form of a last-second foul, which put the Tigers at the free-throw line.<\/span><\/p>\n

After hitting both free throws, the Tigers tied the game at 64-64, looking to shut down the offensive attack from their opponents in overtime.<\/span><\/p>\n

In overtime, both teams refused to let up. The crowd was emphatic, with Coach Williams constantly reminding the crowd to stay loud.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The crowd’s participation was a huge factor toward the end of the game. Their antics continued to affect the performance of the Golden Lions, which resulted in multiple turnovers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jackson State forced Pine Bluff to turn the ball over 13 times. 5\u20198 Jackson State point guard Chase Adams was a main contributor to forcing turnovers. He gathered three steals to go with his 12 points.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite collecting nine points from costly turnovers, Jackson State was unable to extend the lead in the first overtime period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

UAPB also struggled to make a run to close out the Tigers. After scoring a huge go-ahead basket with less than two minutes remaining, the Golden Lions were prepared to celebrate after a grueling battle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jackson State refused to go down in front of an ecstatic home crowd and managed to pull off a 5-0 run to defeat UAPB, 88-84.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After a dramatic ending, coach Williams immediately began to thank the real MVPs of the game: the fans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFans, you guys were amazing tonight,\u201d stated Williams. \u201cI appreciate you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Although the arena was filled with anxiety for the Tigers, Willams emphasized his excitement for moments when pressure is intense.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI live for games like this. I tell my guys that you have to be able to feel pressure and absorb pressure. You have to be able to push through\u201d, claimed Williams.<\/span><\/p>\n

JSU students who attended the game also felt the pressure of the arena.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Emani Archie, a junior biology and premed major from Arkansas enjoyed the atmosphere of the student section.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe energy was loud,\u201d stated Archie. \u201cThe students continued to support the team, even though there were times we were losing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Kristi Fortson, a senior physiology major from Houston, TX expressed her gratitude for attending more men\u2019s basketball games this semester.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLast semester I didn’t really go to any men’s games, but I’m glad I did,\u201d stated Fortson. \u201cI enjoy the fast-paced nature of the game.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The game contained 17 ties and ten lead changes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The men\u2019s Tigers basketball team will face off against Alcorn in the Lee. E. Williams Athletics & Assembly Center on Feb. 18, 2023.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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