JACKSON – The Alabama A&M Bulldogs will have to wait until Thursday, January 6, for a chance to earn their first victory over a Division I opponent as they fell 55-52 to the Jackson State Tigers on the opening night of Southwestern Athletic Conference play.

"When your point guard has seven turnovers that's not good," first year coach Willie Hayes said. "Jeremy didn't play well tonight. When your point guard doesn't play well, nine out of 10 times you're not going to win."

Junior guard Marcus Lee, who was inserted into the starting lineup for the first time this season, led the Bulldogs with 11 points. Sophomore Demarquelle Tabb and senior Casey Cantey had 10 points each, while Tabb, who was 5-for-5 from the field, grabbed nine rebounds.

"Tabb played up to his potential," Hayes mentioned. "We need more out of Casey."

A&M outscored the Tigers 38-22 in points in the paint, 15-11 in second chance points, and 8-6 in fast break points.

Jenirro Bush, the SWAC preseason Player of the Year, finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Tigers.

The Bulldogs will now travel to Grambling, LA for a 7:30 p.m. contest versus the Grambling State Tigers. The game can be heard “Live” on WJAB 90.9.