Nov. 2, 2007

JACKSON, Miss. - The Jackson State University men's basketball team got off to a sluggish start, but turned up its defensive effort down the stretch to defeat Springhill College 79-74 in preseason exhibition action.

In pre-game activities the Tigers received their 2006-07 Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament Championship rings. Former Tiger greats Julius Young and Trey Johnson (2006-07 SWAC Player of the Year) returned to the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center to receive their hardware.

The Springhill Badgers were not impressed with JSU's ceremony as they started the game on fire from the perimeter. Springhill led the entire first half, outscoring Jackson State 35-27. Spring hill shot 44% from the field (11-25), 46% in threes (6-13) and 1005 from the free throw line (7-7). JSU shot 36% (9-25), 20% in threes (2-10), and 77% in free throws (7-9).

The Tigers turned up their intensity in the second half, holding Springhill to 335 shooting from the field and 35% in threes. JSU turned its defense to offense as the Tigers shot 55% from the field and 50% in threes in the second half.

Springhill's Noah Woolridge led all scorers with 31 points and Owen McNallye followed with 15. Jackson State had three players score in double figures. Darrion Griffin scored 20 points on 7-9 shooting, Catraiva Givens followed with 16 and Jeremy Caldwell added 13.

Jackson State will play its final exhibition game of the season on Thursday, Nov. 8 when the Tigers host Miles College. Admission is free. The men will play immediately after the women.