MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Texas Southern struggled down the stretch in a 79-71 loss to Central Michigan Saturday evening.
The Tigers held a 38-35 advantage at intermission and led 49-46 with less than 13 minutes left in the game before Central Michigan was able to knot things up.
Both teams traded baskets until the Tigers' Derrick Griffin made four straight baskets to give the Tigers a 62-58 lead with 8:25 left.
CMU responded with an 11-2 run to take a 69-64 lead with less than six minutes to go. The Chippewas closed the game on a 10-5 run. Texas Southern's offense went cold down the stretch, as the Tigers made only three field goals in the game's final 8:25.
Griffin led TSU with 23 points and 13 rebounds, his third double-double in as many games played this season. Malcolm Riley added 16 points and nine rebounds. Chris Thomas chipped in 11 points.
Braylon Rayson scored 22 for the Chippewas, knocking down six three-pointers in the game.
