Tigers get balanced scoring attack versus UAPB

HOUSTON- The Texas Southern University Tigers basketball team combined stifling defense with a balanced offensive attack to defeat the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions, 78-49, on Monday night at the HPE Arena.
 
The win was the Tigers seventh-straight victory as they continued their dominance in Southwestern Athletic Conference play.  TSU is now a perfect 7-0 in conference action and own an 8-11 overall record. 
 
The Tigers got solid contributions from a myriad of sources against the Golden Lions.  In all, four TSU players scored in double-figures.  Freshman sensation forward Derrick Griffin continued his inspired play with another double-double as he put up 13 points and pulled down 13 rebounds. 
 
He also added two emphatic blocks and a few thunderous dunks that brought Tiger faithful to their feet. 
 
Senior guard Chris Thomas scored 18 points and dished out 7 assists.  He got help from fellow seniors David Blanks and Malcolm Riley.  Blanks chipped in 17 points on 5-7 shooting, including 3-4 from the three-point line.  Riley poured in 16 points and added 2 three-pointers of his own. 
 
TSU came out shooting well, making over 52 percent of their field goals in the first half as they raced to a 35-20 halftime lead.  They did not let up in the second half as they poured in 43 points after the intermission.  For the game, the team shot a scorching 53.8 percent from the field and handed out 20 assists on 28 made baskets. 
 
While the Tigers were efficient on offense, their defense was perhaps even more impressive.  They were tenacious on the defensive side of the ball as they held UAPB to 37.5 percent on field goals for the game.  TSU defenders also forced 15 turnovers and added 6 steals.
 
Next up, the Tigers look to make it eight consecutive wins as they head to Montgomery, Alabama to take on the Alabama State University Hornets on Saturday night.  Tip-off is at 5:00 pm.