GRAMBLING, La. | The Grambling State University men's basketball team will look to get into the win column in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play on Saturday when GSU plays host to Jackson State.
 
Tip-off for Saturday's game at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center is set for 5 p.m.
 
Grambling State (9-10 overall, 3-3 SWAC) comes into Saturday's game off an 83-66 loss on Monday night to Prairie View A&M. GSU had four players in double figures, but could not overcome 26 turnovers against the Panthers. Grambling State is seeking its fifth straight victory over Jackson State.
 
Jackson State (6-13, 3-3) has dropped its last two games, which were road games at Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern. Prior to the Texas road swing, JSU had won two straight at home against Alcorn State and Southern. Against Texas Southern on Monday, Jackson State got 17 points from Dontelius Ross in a 75-65 loss.
 
ABOUT JACKSON STATE
> Jackson State is averaging 60.6 points per game, while its opponents are averaging 67.7 points.
> JSU is shooting 39.9 percent (432-of-1099) from the field and 62.0 percent (194-of-313) from the foul line.
> Chris Howell paces the Jackson State offense at 11.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, followed by Venjie Wallis at 10.9 points and 1.1 steals per game.
 
LAST TIME OUT
> Grambling State is coming off an 83-66 loss to Prairie View A&M
> Ivy Smith, Jr. scored 17 points, while Dallas Polk-Hilliard, Travon Bunch and Axel Mpoyo each recorded 10.
> The Tigers shot 56.4 percent (22-of-39) from the floor and 63.3 percent (19-of-30) from the free-throw line
 
NOTABLES
> Ivy Smith leads the SWAC in assists per game, free-throw attempts and total assists
> Dallas Polk-Hilliard is tops in the conference in double-doubles with six
> Grambling State is third in offense at 70.7 points per game and is second in the conference in defense at 70.6 points
> The Tigers lead the SWAC in 13 different categories, including total rebounds and total rebounds per game
 
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
> Grambling State surpassed the 100-point plateau in a 105-68 victory over Jarvis Christian to begin the season
> The Tigers defeated Niagara on Nov. 23 in the Fort Myers Tip-Off Classic
> Grambling State won back-to-back games over Portland and Southeastern Louisiana
> Ivy Smith, Jr. poured in 24 points, including the game-winner, in an 88-87 overtime win over Texas Southern on Jan. 19
 
PRESEASON POLL
> Grambling State was predicted to win to repeat as the SWAC regular season champion
 
GRAMBLING STATE BASKETBALL HISTORY
> Grambling State won its first SWAC regular season championship in 30 years last year
> Charles "Charlie Red) Hardnett and Willis Reed are notable alums of the basketball program
 
UP NEXT
Grambling State will take a week off before returning to action on Feb. 2. GSU will conclude its three-game homestand against Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Feb. 2) and Mississippi Valley State (Feb. 4). The Mississippi Valley State will be televised live on ESPNU.
 
Follow Grambling State Athletics
For complete coverage of Grambling State athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter), /gramblingstateathletics (Facebook), @gramblingathletics01 (Instagram) or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.
 

Related Videos

Now Playing:

• Play Video