Jags split in Alabama

P>The state of Alabama proved to be both unlucky and lucky for the Southern University Jaguars men’s basketball team. On January 25, the Jags (4-11 overall, 2-6 Southwestern Athletic Conference play) visited the Hornets of Alabama State University (10-7, 7-0 SWAC), where they were soundly defeated 78-60. They faired better on their trip to Alabama A&M (5-10, 2-5 SWAC) last Monday, winning 66-60.
“We were just physically and mentally tired against Alabama State,” said head coach Ben Jobe. “Monday, we were a little more prepared.”
On Saturday, the Jaguars were led in scoring by 6-3 sophomore guard Tim Johnson with 15 points.
Both of Southern’s top scorers Victor Tarver (12.2 points per game) and Brian Johnson (11.7 ppg) saw limited action in Saturday’s game. Tarver who leads the team in turnovers (51 on the season) was benched after committing five turnovers in only 19 minutes of play.
“We had no energy and it showed,” said Jobe, who was handed his first losing season ever last year with the Jaguars.
Down by only two points at halftime, the Jaguars were simply unable to put together any offensive effort against the Hornets, who were led by Malcolm Campbell with 18 points and Keith Gamble with 16 points.
Monday night saw the Jaguars pick up their second conference win of the season. The Jaguars held Alabama A&M scoreless through eight minutes of play to capture the win.
The efforts of sophomore shooting guard Trayvean Scott helped propel the Jaguars over the Bulldogs. Scott led the Jaguars with 18 points, seven rebounds in 40 minutes of play.
“Scott provided that extra spark that we are going to need for the rest of the season,” Jobe said.
Contributing to the effort was sophomore center Jerrid Campbell with 13 points. Sophomore forward Peter Cipriano posted 13 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Senior Victor Tarver, who was held scoreless in Saturday night’s match-up, provided ten points in the win.
The Jaguars will face the defending SWAC champions, the Braves of Alcorn State University (5-10, 3-5 SWAC) on Saturday, February 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Davey L. Whitney Complex, in Alcorn, Miss.
The last time the Jaguars faced the Braves they were defeated 87-73.