LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Texas Southern lost a 87-81 contest to Howard at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena Monday night.
The Bison jumped ahead with 13:22 left in the first half. With the game tied at 16, Howard put together a 10-0 run to go up 26-16 with just over nine minutes left in the period. Texas Southern drew to within five on the strength of a 12-5 run sparked by Joshua Friar to end the first half.
Howard rebuilt its lead to 10 to start the second half, but after TSU got to within eight, the Tigers scored 15 of the next 22 points – a run capped by two Malcolm Riley free throws – to tie the game at 65 with 8:27 left.
The Bison pieced together an 11-5 run to take a 76-70 lead with 4:33 left, but Texas Southern fought back to claim a 78-77 lead with 1:34 left. However, Texas Southern lost the advantage for good when it allowed eight unanswered points to the Bison.
Riley accounted for 26 points and 10 boards. David Blanks scored 17 points and added four rebounds and four assists. Orlando Coleman and Jose Rodriguez each scored 13, with Coleman also grabbing 10 rebounds.
Â
