The Southern Jaguars men’s basketball team remained the only undefeated team in SWAC Conference play after destroying Mississippi Valley State 63-42. However, they would put that record to the test against rival Alcorn State. Starting a little antsy from the Jaguars, Junior guard Michael Jacobs with the first score and an and-one to get the Braves stirred up in return. Things get exhilarating in the first half as Junior Guard Joe Manning got going from three! The Braves welcomed the competition as their defense caused a bit of trouble, but the Jaguars were prepared as well, stopping the Braves from scoring. Senior forward Damaris Jones jumped high into the net, delivering a massive dunk. Who can keep up with their jags? The Braves hit back-to-back three-pointers, causing the Jags to try another defensive strategy. There were some technical fouls and normal fouls here and there, but emotions remained in check for the contest. Despite the first half with a score of 37-39, the Braves were leading, but the Jaguars were determined to find a way to come out victorious.
Southern Men’s Basketball Head Coach emphasizes the importance for the Jags to have a game like this, “Believe it or not, we needed that kind of adversity where we go down and have to come back, and that happened to us a couple of times; hopefully we can build all of that.” The Jaguars did just that in the second half. Starting strong, Joe Manning hits another three-pointer! The Braves answered back with a three as well. A lot of powerhouses are coming off the bench for the Southern Jaguars. Coach Johnson did shed light on the confidence he has in his players, “Well, there’s not one player that touches that floor that I don’t believe in.” Sophomore center Brentay Noel has played a role in defense with critical blocks and steals! Junior forward Puoch Dobuol gets the crowd hyped with a sensational dunk. The Braves and Jags were neck and neck. Damariee Jones added on to the Jag’s momentum with the dunk. Junior guard Cam Amboree, with his fast drive to the goal, passed the ball to graduate guard Andre Nunely, hitting a crucial three, seizing the momentum of the game, and causing the crowd to go insane after the Jags took the lead late 70-69 after trailing. The Southern men’s basketball team is undefeated in SWAC, leaving with a record of 8-0 after conquering Alcorn State University, the Braves in the mini dome with a final score of 74-69.
Coach Johnson also expressed Nunley’s toughness, “You know he’s so tough, I trust him to take that shot; he throws the percentage out the window. You know he’s a hard worker, a hard soul of our team. He has the right to take that shot.”
Andre Nunley contributes to the Jaguars’ success by upping the score towards the end. He is focused on the next game and believes that plays a part in winning.
“Things are going to get tough. God always makes things challenging for us, so just trusting him, we just have to make sure we stay on top. We need games like this to get ready for the tournament because it is going to be more intense and even harder. It took everybody just locking in as one,” says Andre Nunley to a reporter.
The Southern men’s basketball team continues to find success with the multiple options Southern has on its roster, considering 5 players scored double digits. The Jags will face another tough rival as they prepare for the next game on Monday, February 3, at 6:30 pm at F.G. Clark Mini Dome against Jackson State University.
