Balanced scoring carries Braves past JSU on Saturday

Story from Alcorn Athletics:

JACKSON, Miss. – Junior Dekedran Thorn scored a game-high 18 points as the No. 1 team in the Southwestern Athletic Conference men’s basketball standings, Alcorn State University, defeated Jackson State University 75-60 on Saturday inside the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center.

Thorn, the Houston, Texas native, hit seven of 14 from the field, including four of ten from behind the arc. He added four rebounds, four assists, and two steals in the game.

Alcorn (15-11, 12-2 SWAC) had three other players hit in the double figures, including Bryon Joshua, with his first double-double of the season. The sophomore from New Orleans, La., had 11 points and 11 assists. Jeremiah Kendall scored 16 points, and four rebounds, and Oddyst Walker scored 13 with five rebounds.

The Braves jumped to an early 4-0 lead before Jackson State got on the board. The Tigers hit a three-point jumper to cut Alcorn’s lead to within one, but the Braves did not let it go unanswered. Kendall made back-to-back free throws, followed by a three-pointer of his own to put Alcorn up 9-3.

For the remainder of the period, Alcorn played good offense and defense, scoring eight points in the paint and keeping the ball on the Brave’s side of the court to enter halftime ahead 42-25.

Alcorn kept that fight going in the opening minutes of the second half, increasing its lead to 67-39 with just under 10 minutes remaining in the contest.

JSU did not give up. The Tigers had a 14-2 scoring run to close the game, but the Braves stayed on top to win, 75-60.

Alcorn will bring the game back home on Saturday, Feb. 25, hosting Prairie View A&M. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m