Southern Jaguars Dominate Jackson State 67-43 in SWAC Women's Basketball Showdown
Jackson State Athletics
JACKSON, Miss. (Jan. 29, 2026) — The Southern University Lady Jaguars extended their SWAC conference dominance with a commanding 67-43 victory over Jackson State University on Wednesday night, showcasing the gap between the conference leader and a Tigers team still searching for its identity under second year Head Coach Margaret Richards.
Game Summary
Southern (conference-leading record) controlled the contest from the opening tip, building a 19-6 first-quarter advantage and never looking back. The Lady Jaguars entered the matchup having defeated two Power Four opponents before conference play, while Jackson State continues its rebuilding effort after its last NCAA Tournament appearance.
The final score reflected Southern's superiority in nearly every statistical category, particularly shooting efficiency where the visitors shot 54% from the field in the first half compared to Jackson State's 21%.
Standout Performers
Southern's DeMya Porter Sets the Tone
Sophomore forward DeMya Porter (No. 24) established Southern's dominance early, scoring the game's first points and finishing with an efficient 4-of-7 shooting performance. Porter grabbed four rebounds and consistently made her presence felt in the paint, embodying the Lady Jaguars' physical advantage.
"Porter is a star in her own right," said one courtside observer. "She leads, she shoots, and she gets the job done."
Jackson State's Bright Spot
True freshman Pierre-Noelle Tcheuhchoua (No. 44) provided a glimpse of Jackson State's future, energizing the Tigers' defense midway through the second quarter. The freshman's speed and willingness to attack the paint on both ends of the floor sparked a brief run that cut into Southern's lead.
Jaileyah Cotton also provided a spark with a crucial three-pointer that ignited both the team and the crowd, showcasing her reputation as one of the Tigers' premier outside shooters.
First Half: Southern Seizes Control
Southern's size advantage proved decisive early. The Lady Jaguars' length disrupted Jackson State's offensive flow, leading to numerous missed opportunities near the basket. The Tigers managed just six points in the opening quarter despite creating turnovers and getting open looks.
Jackson State's communication issues compounded their shooting woes, with the Tigers lacking a vocal floor leader to organize their attack. Southern capitalized, building a 38-17 halftime advantage.
First Half Statistics:
Jackson State: 21% FG, 14% 3PT, 18 rebounds
Southern: 54% FG, 50% 3PT, 23 rebounds
Second Half: Tigers Show Fight but Fall Short
Jackson State made defensive adjustments after halftime, playing more aggressively and crashing the boards with renewed energy. The Tigers closed the gap slightly, trailing 46-24 with 4:47 remaining in the third quarter.
However, Southern's cohesive team chemistry and consistent execution prevented any sustained comeback. The Lady Jaguars maintained their composure and pace throughout, demonstrating the poise of a conference leader.
Jackson State Athletics
Team Identity and Key Takeaways
The contrast in team chemistry proved telling. While both rosters feature experienced seniors, Southern's players operated with greater synchronicity and displayed a confident charisma that translated into execution.
Jackson State's frequent substitutions disrupted offensive rhythm, while Southern's more selective rotation kept their core players in sync. The Tigers' talent is evident, but developing consistency under their new coaching staff remains a work in progress.
Final Statistics:
Jackson State: 43 points, 25% FG, 16.7% 3PT, 44.4% FT, 40 total rebounds
Southern: 67 points, 47.9% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 66.7% FT, 34 total rebounds
Fan Engagement
Both fan bases provided energy throughout the contest. Jackson State supporters rallied behind their team in the fourth quarter, attempting to spark a late surge. Southern's traveling contingent celebrated their team's dominance, providing vocal support in enemy territory.
Looking Ahead
Jackson State (3-5 in conference play) faces another challenging test Saturday when they host Grambling State in a SWAC doubleheader. The Tigers must address their shooting struggles and develop better offensive chemistry to compete with the conference's elite programs.
Southern continues its march toward another SWAC regular-season title, solidifying its status as the team to beat in the conference.
Game Notes:
Jackson State has not returned to the NCAA Tournament since their last appearance
Southern defeated two Power Four opponents in non-conference play
The 24-point margin represents one of Jackson State's larger home losses this season
True freshman Tcheuhchoua showed potential as a future building block for the Tigers' program
