A slow start in the second half created a hill too high to climb as TSU fell 70-58 to Southern on Monday night inside H&PE Arena.
The Tigers came out the gate on fire within the first five minutes as they drained four three-pointers while shooting 7-of-9 from the field to jump out to an 18-10 lead with 14:19 remaining in the first half. However, the roles would reverse as SU began to heat up and went on a 16-4 run to claim a 26-22 lead as TSU didn’t hit a field goal while committing three turnovers.
TSU would outscore SU 6-2 over the next 1:37 to tie the contest at 28-all. The Tigers would turn to Karl Nicholas to keep them in the contest over the final four minutes as he scored the final eight points for TSU while SU had five players score as TSU trailed 39-36.
Nothing went right for Texas Southern to begin the second half as they committed an uncharacteristic nine turnovers while shooting 0-for-7 from the three-point line. By the time the damage was done, TSU was on the other end of an 18-6 run as SU built a 57-42 lead with 7:25 left.
With the outside shot not falling, TSU would turn inside to generate offense as they outscored SU 13-6 over the next four minutes to draw within 63-55 after a Nicholas layup with 2:44 left. SU would answer with a dunk as TSU would not score a field goal the rest of the way as SU closed out the win.
Nicholas led Texas Southern with 14 points while Walker III added 12 followed by 10 from Hopkins. Jordan Gilliam led TSU with seven rebounds.
TSU is back in action on Saturday at Mississippi Valley State for a 4 p.m. start.
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