LORMAN — In a game that will be free to the public, the Alcorn State men’s basketball team will host rival Jackson State University at 4:30 p.m. Saturday

The Braves are currently 2-17 overall and 2-7 in the SWAC, one game behind Southern, Alabama State and Prairie View for the last berth in the SWAC tournament.

The Tigers are 12-9 overall and tied for the lead in the SWAC with Texas Southern at 8-1 each. JSU beat the Braves in Jackson 90-64 in January.

The Braves came back to beat Southern 70-63 at Alcorn last Saturday to stay in the tournament race. Marquiz Baker scored 21 in that game.

Alcorn won the Southern game by scoring its last nine points from the free throw line. The Braves averages 63 points but has scored 68 and 70 in its last two games.

Braves head coach Larry Smith said the Tigers are “one of the most dominating teams in the conference.”

“They have good personnel, make their shots and play that up-tempo style,” Smith said. “We will have to keep them off the boards and make our shots.

“This is a huge game for us and we have to play tough and compete for 40 minutes. This is a big rivalry, and if anyone can’t get up for this game, they can’t get up for anything.”

The Braves will also host the Grambling State Tigers at 7:30 p.m. Monday.