Preview: Jackson State Tigers at Alcorn State Braves LORMAN, Miss. (Interstat) — Two SWAC rivals seeking momentum for the conference tournament will meet Saturday when the Jackson State Tigers visit the Alcorn State Braves at the Davey Whitney Complex. Jackson State (9-17 overall) enters on a two-game winning streak after a 91-86 victory over Bethune-Cookman on Monday. The Tigers are powered by guard Daeshun Ruffin, who is in the midst of a sensational scoring run. Over his last five games, Ruffin is averaging 31.4 points and 6.2 assists, including a 38-point outburst against Grambling and a 35-point effort versus Southern. Alcorn State (6-19) looks to bounce back from a 78-86 home loss to Florida A&M on Monday. The Braves are led by guard Jameel Morris, who paced the team with 15 points and seven assists in that defeat. Morris has scored in double figures in four of his last six contests. The Tigers won the season’s first meeting, 89-86, in Jackson on Jan. 3. Ruffin scored 24 points in that victory. While both teams have struggled for consistency this season, the matchup features two of the conference’s top guards. Ruffin’s explosive offensive output will be the primary focus for an Alcorn State defense that allows an average of 75.2 points per game. The Braves will counter with a more balanced attack, needing Morris to facilitate and find teammates like Nick Woodard and Shane Lancaster, who combined for 27 points in the last outing. Jackson State has shown a higher offensive ceiling recently, averaging 81.3 points over its last three games. Alcorn State has found wins harder to come by but has been competitive at home, with recent victories over Bethune-Cookman and Southern in Lorman. Saturday’s contest is the first of a two-game road swing for Jackson State, which visits Prairie View and Texas Southern next week. Alcorn State embarks on a similar road trip following this game, facing the same Texas-based opponents. Tipoff is set for Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at the Davey Whitney Complex on the campus of Alcorn State University.