Alabama State Hornets vs Jackson State Tigers Prediction – 3/15/2025

The Alabama State Hornets and the Jackson State Tigers are set to face off in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. This highly anticipated game will be broadcast on ESPNU.

Alabama State Hornets vs. Jackson State Tigers Game Preview

Both teams enter the championship game with impressive records. The Jackson State Tigers hold a 16-17 overall record, with a strong 16-4 performance in SWAC play. They are coming off a decisive 71-50 victory over Bethune-Cookman in the semifinals. The Tigers have been on a remarkable run, winning nine of their last ten games, during which they averaged 80.0 points per game while allowing just 66.5 points to their opponents. Key players include Daeshun Ruffin, who leads the team with an average of 15.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, and Shannon Grant, who has been shooting 72.9% from the field and averaging 16.9 points over the past ten games.

The Alabama State Hornets have an 18-15 overall record and a 14-6 mark in SWAC play. They secured their spot in the championship by edging out Grambling with a 64-62 win in the semifinals. The Hornets have also been in excellent form, winning nine of their last ten games. During this stretch, they averaged 73.1 points per game and allowed 63.4 points to their opponents. Leading the charge for Alabama State is Amarr Knox, who averages 14.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Additionally, TJ Madlock contributes significantly with 12 points and a team-high 9 rebounds per game.

Betting Insights

According to the latest odds, Jackson State is favored by 3.5 points, with the over/under set at 140.5 points. The Tigers have been strong against the spread, covering in five of their last seven meetings against the Hornets. The total has gone under in four of their last seven encounters, indicating a trend towards lower-scoring games when these teams meet.

Key betting trends to consider:

• Jackson State has won each of its last eight games.
• Alabama State has won nine of its last ten games.
• Each of Alabama State's last eight Saturday night games against conference opponents have produced a total of 141 or fewer points.
• Sixteen of the last 18 night games between Alabama State and Jackson State have produced a total of 138 or fewer points.

Alabama State Hornets vs. Jackson State Tigers Prediction

Both teams are entering the championship game in excellent form, each winning nine of their last ten games. Jackson State's recent dominance over Alabama State, including a 77-70 victory earlier this season, gives them a slight edge. However, Alabama State's resilience and strong defensive performances cannot be overlooked.

Considering the recent trends and the defensive capabilities of both teams, a lower-scoring game is anticipated. The under 140.5 points appears to be a favorable bet. While Jackson State is favored by 3.5 points, the Hornets' recent form suggests they could cover the spread or even secure an upset victory. Bettors should weigh the Tigers' slight edge in head-to-head matchups against the Hornets' momentum and defensive prowess when making their decisions.