Let the Good Times Roll: Southern Rolls on Alabama A&M

Despite it being Mardi Gras season in the “Bayou State,” Jaguar basketball still made headlines. The Jaguars, both men and women, took on the Alabama A&M Bulldogs.
In a remarkable showdown, the Lady Jags and Lady Bulldogs battled it out on the court, with the Jags emerging victorious and breaking their tied record, securing a 6-4 record and leaving the Bulldogs with a 5-5 standing in the SWAC. The competition was as intense as the excitement in the air!
Graduate student guard, Taylor Williams, set the tone by breaking the ice, unleashing a thrilling back-and-forth in the first half. The teams engaged in a back-and-forth game, matching shot for shot, and a three-pointer for three-pointer. Despite the fierce competition, the Lady Jags found themselves trailing at the half, ready to rally and turn the game around.
The Lady Jags staged an impressive comeback halfway through the third quarter, carrying their regained momentum into the fourth. They sealed the deal with a 67-60 final score. With a rematch on the horizon in March, the question lingers: Will the Lady Jags maintain their dominance, or will the Bulldogs claw their way back to the top? March is sure to bring another thrilling chapter to this exciting rivalry!
The men’s game brought tension, with fans on the edge of their seats as the Jags fought to gain momentum. They were down by double digits in the middle of the first half. However, the Bulldogs’ struggles kept the game within reach. The Jags managed to close the gap, finishing the first half just three points behind at 28-25. It was a rollercoaster of the first half, setting the tone for an intriguing second half!
In the second half, the men managed to gain some control, turning the game into a back-and-forth battle. Tied at 43 points with just 6 minutes left, the intensity was at its climax. The teams traded blows until the final minutes when the Jags seized the lead, securing a 69-62 victory. With this win, they now share the top spot, tied for first with the Grambling State University Tigers.
The men’s game was marked by fouls and turnovers, emphasizing the critical role of free throws in determining the outcome. The team faced challenges with free throws overall, but redshirt senior guard Brandon Davis made history again by tying his record with an impressive 20 points. Notably, 10 of those points were earned from successful free throws, showcasing the importance of the little shots on the court. Head Coach, According to The Advocate, Head Coach Kevin Johnson provided his thoughts on the hard-fought win. “It’s a tribute to the character of our guys. They stayed in it.” The Advocate also got Coach Johnson to speak on the team finding their groove and meeting their expectations. “In the second half, we started playing our style of basketball. “The thing I’m most proud about is free-throw shooting. Our goal is to shoot 75% as a team, and we got it tonight.”
Both teams showcased their skills, though there’s room for improvement. Here’s to a strong finish as you head towards the rest of the season. Keep up the momentum! Let’s Geaux Jags!