Texas Southern at Jackson State, 5:00 PM Eastern, ESPNU
Between programs on pause due to COVID and a series of weather-related postponements, there are only nine games left on today’s Division I schedule, and only one game in the SWAC, which normally features a full slate on Mondays. However, that one game is an important one and has been chosen as our Under the Radar Game of the Day — Texas Southern at Jackson State. The Jackson State Tigers enter this afternoon’s game (the game was moved up from its originally scheduled tip time due to weather concerns) at a perfect 6-0 in SWAC play and 6-5 overall. Although they went winless in the nonconference, al five games were against notable opponents and on the road — Ole Miss, Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State, Bradley and Iowa State. Although Jackson State’s conference slate began with some of the easier foes in league play, a win last week at Southern sent notice that this team may in fact be a contender for the league title. The Tigers are led by Tristan Jarrett (19.5 points and 6 rebounds per game) and Jayveous McKinnis (averaging a double-double with 13 points and 13.1 rebounds per game). They also feature the top-rated defense in the SWAC according to KenPom
Texas Southern sits at 4-2 in conference and 7-7 overall, two games behind the first place tie between Jackson State and Prairie View. Any chance that TSU has to get back into the league title race will require a road win today, especially with neither their second game against Prairie View nor Jackson State currently slated to be played. The TSU Tigers have three players averaging double figures in scoring, led by 14 points per game from Michael Weathers. They are also the top-rated offense in the SWAC according to KenPom, making this game an intriguing matchup of strong offense versus strong defense. Hopefully, the bad weather that is hitting much of the nation will allow these teams to get this game in today, as it should be a fun one to watch in a league that, while most likely destined for a 16 seed in the NCAA Tournament, does seem to always provide entertaining basketball.
OTHER NEWS, NOTES, AND GAMES:
-Michigan was finally back on the court after a COVID protocol shutdown, and they looked really rusty in the first half against Wisconsin. In the second half, they did not look rusty at all. In fact, they pretty much dominated and ended up picking up the 67-59 win.
-Drake had a fantastic bounce back win against Loyola Chicago yesterday. After getting blown out the day before and trailing for most of the game yesterday, they did keep it close and ended up picking up the 51-50 win in overtime. It is by far their best win of the season and should land them inside the bubble so long as they hold serve for the rest of the year.
-Minnesota continues to look lousy on the road. As good as their home wins have been, those are the only ones they have. Maryland absolutely trashed them yesterday. The final score was 72-59, but it took a late flurry to even get it that close.
-VIRGINIA AT FLORIDA STATE (ACC). Virginia, as they seemingly always do, is playing very well in the final stretch of the season. Florida State has looked good as well, but their resume still has room for a few big wins on it and they have an opportunity to pick one of those up tonight.