BATON ROUGE, LA. -- Southern's (4-8, 4-4 SWAC) late heroics weren't enough as they were defeated by Jackson State (6-5, 6-0 SWAC) 57-53 Monday night inside the F.G. Clark Activity Center on ESPNU.

The Jaguars were led by Jayden Saddler who finished with 11 points, five assist and five rebounds. Terrell Williams Jr. added 10 points and six rebounds.

SU opened the contest on a 3-0 run and was close throughout most of the first half. The Jags largest lead was four points, which they reached twice, the first at 17-13 off Williams layup with 8:18 left in the half. Again after Cele's two free throws gave SU a 23-19 lead with five minutes left. JSU went on an 11-0 run to close out the half and took a 30-23 lead into the locker room.

The second half started very much like the first with both teams trading baskets back and forth. SU got as close as two points trailing 44-42 after Andre Allen monster dunk with 9:56 left to play. Isaiah Rollins jumper at the 7:52 mark tied the ball game 46 all. JSU came back with a made three pointer by James giving the Tigers a 49-46 lead. Southern responded by taking a 50-49 lead by Allen free throw line jumper, giving SU its first lead since late in the first half. JSU rallied to take a 55-52 lead with 2:30 left. Saddler made free throw pulled SU within two, 55-53 with :58 seconds to play. On the next possession Rollins stole the basketball and SU called a timeout with :16 seconds. After the timeout SU got the ball to Saddler who drove on the right side of the floor and passed to Rollins who's 3-point attempt was off the mark and JSU was able to hold in the closing seconds. 

Southern lost the rebounded margin as they were edged by JSU 26-15. 

Jackson State was led by Jayveous McKinnis with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Jonas James and Tristan Jarrett each had 11 points. 

UP NEXT
Southern will be back in action on Saturday, February 13th as they travel to University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Tip-off is slated for 6:00 PM.

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