Southern Wins Second Tournament Title in Three Years - Mar 13, 2016

An Adrian Rodgers (6'4''-G-92) 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 (6'4''-G) 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 (6'5''-F/G)'s three attempt and Janarius Middleton (6'8''-F)'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 (6'1''-G) 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 (6'4''-SG) 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 (5'11''-PG) 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 (6'4''-F-94) 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.

Courtesy of SWAC

SWAC Tournament Final: Southern - Jackson State 54-53
SWAC Tournament Semifinals:
Jackson State - Mississippi Valley State 74-68
Southern - Texas Southern 81-73