Jags Claims 2016 SWAC Men's Title
HOUSTON, Texas – An Adrian Rodgers tip-in with just over 16 seconds left lifted Southern to a 54-53 victory over Jackson State and the 2016 SWAC Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship. The tip-in came just after Raeford Worsham made a go-ahead lay-up with 33 seconds left. On the ensuing possession, Rodgers rebounded a Jared Sam shot attempt and after missing his first tip-in, he was able to get his put back to fall on the second try. JKST's Chace Franklin’s three attempt and Janarius Middleton’s ensuing put back were no good, giving the Jaguars their ninth SWAC Tournament championship and – under the guidance of Coach Roman Banks -- their second conference crown in three years. After trailing for much of the game, Jackson State used an 11-2 run to go ahead by one at the midway point of the final half. Trelun Banks took the lead back for SUBR with a jumper on the next possession, and Southern held a slim lead until a 9-2 run by the Tigers put them ahead 48-42 with less than four minutes left. The Jaguars were able to get within one possession with 2:40 left, and subesquently tied it with a Banks three-ball on their next turn with the ball. Paris Collins buried a corner three to put JKST ahead 51-48 with just over a minute and a half left. SUBR was able to claw back in it, as Christopher Hyder free throws made the game 52-51, setting the stage for the final moments. Banks, who was named tournament MVP, led all scorers with 19 points. Shawn Prudhomme added 10 points, and Rodgers scored seven points to go with 11 boards. Jackson State was led by all-tournament performer Worsham, who notched a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Paris Collins added 11 points and seven rebounds. The full all-tournament team is listed below. MVP: Trelun Banks, Southern University ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM: Marcus Romain, Mississippi Valley Raeford Worsham, Jackson State Trelun Banks, Southern Malcolm Riley, Texas Southern Adrian Rodgers, Southern
