The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions (7-23) bring the regular season to a close on the road at Williams Center when they square off with the Jackson State Tigers (16-12). The game starts at 8:30 pm ET on Monday, Feb. 29.
The Tigers were victorious over Mississippi Valley State 60-49 on Saturday. Raeford Worsham fueled the Tigers, recording 18 points and 15 rebounds to notch his eighth double-double this season.
Over the last five games, Worsham has really been playing well for the Tigers. During that stretch, he has averaged 17.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 block.
The Jackson State defense should have a clear edge in terms of eFG%. It ranks 18th in the nation in forcing misses (opponents’ eFG% of 45.1%), while the Arkansas-Pine Bluff offense is 339th with a mark of 44.7%. Furthermore, the 350th-ranked offense of the Golden Lions (offensive efficiency of 86.2) will face a tough test against the 20th-ranked defense of the Tigers (defensive efficiency of 95.2).
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Tigers won the first game 66-53. Chace Franklin was a standout player in the game, producing 14 points, five rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two three-pointers.
Notes
In its last game, Arkansas-Pine Bluff won by a margin of two points. Jackson State is 4-0 in games decided by a margin of three points or less. Arkansas-Pine Bluff has a 4-2 record in close games.
On average, Jackson State has 69.3 possessions per game and scores 1.005 points on each possession. Arkansas-Pine Bluff has both fewer possessions (65.0) and scores fewer points during those possessions (.862).
The Jackson State Tigers average an effective field goal percentage of 47.0% this season. The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions have an abysmal record of 1-17 when opponents have an eFG% of 47.0% or greater.
Jackson State, the 41st-ranked team in rebounding, register an average of 39.7 rebounds per game. Arkansas-Pine Bluff does worse, ranked 344th with 30.1.
The Jackson State Tigers average 8.2 steals per game (ranked 19th). The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions have a losing record of 4-11 when they allow at least 8 steals.
