HOUSTON – Isaac Williams started scoring for Mississippi Valley with a three-point basket at the 18:01 to tie the ball game at three all.
At the first timeout, the Delta Devils were down by one to the Tigers of Jackson State.
With an increase in fan attendance, MVSU maintained within striking distance of JSU, never really allowing them out of their grasp. The Valley faithful exploded at a clutch three-pointer by Kylan Phillips that was followed by a grand lay-up by Ta'Jay Henry.
Down by only three, Mississippi Valley kept the contest close.
With time running out in the opening half, Phillips performed a quick shake and turn to score on the Tigers' doubled-up defense, to score. With one second remaining, Delta Devils' hot-shooter Marcus Romain was at the charity stripe, shooting two. He made both baskets and Bennett Davis made his Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament debut.
The second half got off to an explosive start for Mississippi Valley when Love's good decision to on hold onto the ball against Jackson led to a jump ball in Valley's favor. Dwain Whitfield made his point debut with a three-pointer from inside the pocket.
With an awesome show of teamwork from Williams and Love, MVSU landed a basket. With another three from Whitfield, the Delta Devils blazed their way back into the contest. At this time they were down by one.
As of on cue, the Mean Green Marching Machine began to chant, "Fire it up V-State! Fire it Up!" With 12:04 remaining, Romain is once again at the free-throw line, shooting for two. He nails them both. Prior to the free throws, MVSU was down by seven. With Romain's baskets the deficit drop to five.
A foul called on the Delta Devils sends Jackson State to the line. He misses one of the baskets and that was the opportunity Mississippi Valley needed.
A hardworking MVSU defense pressed the Tigers to run down the shot clock, causing a shot clock violation. With just over six minutes left in the contest, Phillips rebounded the ball, shot a quick pass to Henry who pushed it out to Vacha Vaugh; the Delta Devils landed a basket on a fastbreak.
Williams is shining today, grabbing an offensive rebound and placing it back into the basket for Mississippi Valley to close the point gap to eight.
At the 4:24 mark, a jump ball call is followed by a 30-second Tigers' timeout. At this time the Delta Devils are down by six points. Looking at the contest from all angles, the contest is still within reach. Vaughn is sent to the free throw line where he is makes one of his two shots.
With amazing skill and drive Jabari Alex had wonderful hustle on the court with multiple attempts in trying to turn over the ball. When it appears all hope is gone, Romain is back at the line with 2:06 remaining, missing both shots.
Down but not out, Williams drops a two-pointer, which is quickly followed by a downtown three from Vaughn.
With the innocent voice of a child in the background cheering, "Nothing less Valley," Romain made a layup and got a foul called to go to the line. Romain made the basket at the charity line to help lift the Delta Devils back into the contest.
With a series of back and forth action in the final minutes, Jackson State clinched the victory over the Delta Devils 74-68.
Mississippi Valley plans to take their momentum from the tournament into the offseason and the next season.
