The Tigers won the only meeting between them this season fairly comfortably, in large part by getting to the line 27 times, which is a specialty for them. They average 80/G last 12 conference games and ALA ST has hit 80 points just twice in that span. JAX shooting 46% from field in conference and 16-6 ATS in SWAC; ALA ST is 9-13 ATS in conference. Tigers far superior on the boards and have won 8 straight, all by 6+, with avg margin of 12.4 points. Can win big or win ugly.

Though both teams score at a decent rate, neither shoots well. Jackson State ranks 282nd for shooting percentage in Division 1, which is lousy except when compared to 348th for Alabama State. They combined for 147 points in the lone regular season meeting, but neither is shooting on familiar rims at home. Nerves will be a factor, given that the last time either side experienced a SWAC championship game was nine years ago.