HOUSTON, Texas – Texas Southern University won its third Southwestern Athletic Conference Regular Season Championship in four years defeating Alabama State 96-86 from H&PE Arena Monday night.
Chris Thomas notched his first and the team's second triple-double of the season racking up 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. David Blanks recorded the teams' first on Jan. 2 in an 88-66 win over Southern.
"This is a big win for our program," said TSU head coach Mike Davis. "When I took the job here our AD said that there would be two goals for us to accomplish each year. First, graduate our student-athletes and second compete for championships. We're really excited about the direction this program is headed and this title is a collective effort of all the hard work our team has put in all season."
Derrick Griffin tied his career-high with 23 points and 11 rebounds in a game that his team never trailed in. The Tigers (16-12, 15-1) won their sixth in a row and stayed three games ahead of second-place Jackson State with two games remaining.
Jamel Waters scored 29 points, six rebounds and four assists while Tony Armstrong scored 18 for ASU (12-16, 7-9).
The Hornets pulled to within five on Nicholas Barnes three pointer with 1:33 left but TSU sealed the deal with a three point play the ensuing possession.
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