MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama State University men's basketball couldn't overcome a cold shooting after falling 75–64 to Jackson State Univeristy on Saturday in a rematch of last season's SWAC championship game at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.

The Hornets (4–12, 1–2 SWAC) placed three players in double figures, led by Tyler Byrd's 18 points on 7-of-17 shooting. Ajon Anderson added 16 points and four assists, while Damerien Yates delivered his first career double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. But Alabama State struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting just 32.9% from the field and 2 of 22 from beyond the arc.

Jackson State (3–12, 2–0) used a 15–0 first-half run to build a double-digit lead it never relinquished. Ruffin powered the Tigers with 36 points, including an 18-for-19 performance at the free-throw line, and added nine rebounds and five assists. Jackson State's physicality on the glass also proved decisive, as the Tigers out rebounded Alabama State 52–41 and turned 26 offensive boards into 20 second-chance points.

Alabama State cut the deficit to six midway through the second half behind a burst from Byrd and Yates, but the Tigers pushed back in front by double digits. The Hornets never drew closer than eight the rest of the way.

Jerquarius Stanback scored nine points and grabbed six rebounds for Alabama State, while R'Chaun King and Mario Andrews combined for 14 points off the bench.

The Hornets host Alcorn State on Monday at 6 p.m.