Southern Jaguars vs Jackson State Tigers Picks and Predictions February 2nd 2026

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Southern Jaguars vs Jackson State Tigers Betting Preview

The Southern Jaguars head to Jackson to face the Jackson State Tigers in a Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup at the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center. Southern enters with an 8-13 record and looks to rebound after a narrow loss to Alcorn State, while Jackson State aims to defend its home court after falling to Grambling State. With the Jaguars favored by 4.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between Southern’s free-throw efficiency and Jackson State’s star-driven offense.

Line Movement and Odds

Southern is favored, but Jackson State’s home resilience makes this line worth tracking. Current market:

  • Southern Spread: -4.5 (-111)
  • Jackson State Spread: +4.5 (-113)
  • Southern MoneyLine: -196
  • Jackson State MoneyLine: +153
  • Total: 152.5 (-110)

Check the college basketball odds for real-time updates, especially as bettors weigh Southern’s scoring pace against Jackson State’s ability to stay competitive at home.

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Matchup Breakdown

Southern Outlook

The Jaguars average 80.1 points per game, with Michael Jacobs, Terrance Dixon Jr., and DaMariee Jones leading the offense. Jacobs’ 20.1 points per game highlight his consistency, while Dixon’s perfect shooting vs Alcorn State showcased his efficiency. Southern’s strengths (8-13 overall record; 24.1 free-throw attempts per game, 57th nationally; 5-2 at home) underscore their ability to score efficiently and capitalize at the line.

Jackson State Outlook

The Tigers average 66.9 points per game, with Daeshun Ruffin, Travis Harper, and Ken Evans Jr. driving production. Ruffin’s 38 points vs Grambling State highlighted his scoring, while Harper’s rebounding adds balance. Jackson State’s efficiency (6-15 overall record; 3-3 at home; 76.5% free-throw shooting) underscores their strengths. Their ability to stay competitive in close games makes them dangerous even as underdogs.

Key Factors

This matchup may hinge on free-throw shooting and tempo. Southern thrives on Jacobs’ scoring and Dixon’s efficiency, while Jackson State must rely on Ruffin’s hot hand and Harper’s rebounding to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.

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Injuries / Availability

Southern: The Jaguars report no fresh injury concerns heading into Monday’s contest.

Jackson State: The Tigers are expected to have their full rotation available.

Environment

The Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center has been a steady venue for Jackson State, where they’ve gone 3-3 this season. Southern, however, has shown resilience with five home wins, making this a clash of Jaguars’ offensive firepower versus Tigers’ home grit.

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Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Southern 78, Jackson State 70

  • Southern -4.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive pace and free-throw accuracy suggest they can cover the spread.
  • Under 152.5 → Total play. Both teams’ slower possessions point toward a combined score below the line.

Southern’s depth and scoring should carry them to victory, while Jackson State’s home-court energy keeps the spread competitive. Expect a contest that leans lower-scoring, with totals landing just under the posted number.

Handicappers and Service Plays

SWAC games often spotlight free-throw margins and tempo mismatches. Our Best Handicappers highlight analysts who specialize in mid-major conference trends, while the Leaderboard tracks who’s delivering consistent returns. For Southern vs Jackson State, expert breakdowns in Buy Picks can help bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.

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Knup Sports – POTD
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