Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – No. 2 seed Grambling State secured its spot in the men’s title match after beating No. 3 seed Jackson State 78-69 in the semifinals of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bartow Arena. 
 
The Tigers overcame a 14-point deficit and trailed 36-34 at the half. They continued to surge through Jackson State’s defense front and never let go of their second-half lead. 
 
“Coach Mo Williams had his guys ready to play. We got punched in the mouth, but they fought through it. I went into a huddle during a media timeout and I said enough of this. They got it together and the rest is history,” Grambling State head coach Donte’ Jackson said.
 
Grambling State featured four players with double figures. Jourdan Smith had a game-high 19 points. Shwndarius Cowart scored 15. Cameron Christon and Vishon Cotton tallied 14 apiece. 
 
Williams, who concluded his first season coaching at Jackson State, had mixed emotions after the loss. He was hurt because they were eliminated. Williams also expressed admiration for the experience he shared with the team.
 
“I’m proud and love this team. They gave me everything they had. It was a tale of halves. We just couldn’t get enough shots,” Williams said.
 
“I was emotional in the locker room telling my team how proud I am of them. We were close to going to the SWAC championship.” 
 
Coltie Young led Jackson State with 18 points. Zeke Cook posted a double-double, scoring 11 points and collecting 11 rebounds. 
 
Up Next
No. 2 seed Grambling State faces No. 8 seed Texas Southern in the championship game. Tip-off is set for Saturday, March 11 at 4:30 p.m. (CST).
 
About the SWAC
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.
 
Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field and Tennis.

Women’s competition is offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.
 
Follow the SWAC
For complete coverage of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, please follow the SWAC on social media at @TheSWAC (Twitter), @TheSWAC (Facebook), and @TheSWAC (Instagram) or visit the official home of the Southwestern Athletic Conference at www.swac.org.