The Jackson State women’s basketball team left nothing to chance, not after being upset in the 2023 Southwestern Athletic Conference semifinal game against Southern.

Top-seeded JSU dismantled No. 4 Arkansas-Pine Bluff 70-48 in the SWAC semifinal Friday at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. The Tigers will face No. 6 seed Alcorn State in the championship game at 4:30 p.m. CT Saturday (ESPNU, ESPN+).

“I’m really, really proud of my players,” JSU coach Tomekia Reed said. “This time last year, we were not quite so fortunate. And our players remember that feeling. We have been playing all year long to get past this point to get into the championship game.”

Jackson State (25-6) started the game fast, with senior Angel Jackson scoring the Tigers' first six points as they opened on a 10-0 run. The defense set the tone by holding UAPB (17-16) scoreless for the first 5:38, and 23.7% shooting overall.

“Our main focus of the game was defense,” JSU guard Andriana Avent said. “The main thing was padding the gap and not getting complacent when they were shooting all of the 3's.”

The Tigers have the slogan “Made for This” on their hoodies. It is a reminder of the 65-64 loss last season in the semifinal game against Southern.

“Last year, my team took a loss in the second round,” Avent said. “Just coming in and having composure, staying disciplined and working as a team in order to get the win.”

Reed said that after watching UAPB shoot the ball well in its 82-74 quarterfinal win against Alabama A&M, she wanted to make sure JSU defended the 3-point line.

Jackson State had four players score in double digits. Ti’lan Boler and Avent each had 19 points, and Jackson had 12 rebounds and six blocks, with Miya Crump chipping in with 10 points.

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This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson State women's basketball to face Alcorn State in SWAC title game