Cameron Adams
Sports Editor
The Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center was electrifying as the Jackson State Tigers faced off against the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff’s Golden Lions on Feb. 6, 2023.
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.
The beginning of the game was intense as both teams scored back-to-back buckets and provided great effort on the defensive end.
Jackson State was also a force from behind the arc, notching seven of their ten threes in the first half alone.
The Tigers went into the half, 38-28 looking to extend their ten-point lead after the break.
despite going into halftime with the lead, UAPB was able to cut the deficit thanks to some stellar defense.
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.
In desperate need of some momentum Jackson State remained determined to pull away from the Lions. After an emphatic putback dunk, from 6’9 junior forward, Romelle Mansell the arena was electric.
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.
The energy immediately shifted after UAPB responded with a three-point play, following a foul call.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In overtime, both teams refused to let up. The crowd was emphatic, with Coach Williams constantly reminding the crowd to stay loud.
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.
Jackson State forced Pine Bluff to turn the ball over 13 times. 5’8 Jackson State point guard Chase Adams was a main contributor to forcing turnovers. He gathered three steals to go with his 12 points.
Despite collecting nine points from costly turnovers, Jackson State was unable to extend the lead in the first overtime period.
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.
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.
After a dramatic ending, coach Williams immediately began to thank the real MVPs of the game: the fans.
“Fans, you guys were amazing tonight,” stated Williams. “I appreciate you.”
Although the arena was filled with anxiety for the Tigers, Willams emphasized his excitement for moments when pressure is intense.
“I 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”, claimed Williams.
JSU students who attended the game also felt the pressure of the arena.
Emani Archie, a junior biology and premed major from Arkansas enjoyed the atmosphere of the student section.
“The energy was loud,” stated Archie. “The students continued to support the team, even though there were times we were losing.”
Kristi Fortson, a senior physiology major from Houston, TX expressed her gratitude for attending more men’s basketball games this semester.
“Last semester I didn’t really go to any men’s games, but I’m glad I did,” stated Fortson. “I enjoy the fast-paced nature of the game.”
The game contained 17 ties and ten lead changes.
The men’s Tigers basketball team will face off against Alcorn in the Lee. E. Williams Athletics & Assembly Center on Feb. 18, 2023.
