HOUSTON — Texas Southern put together a strong second‑quarter surge and showcased balanced contributions from its starting group, but Grambling State used a fast start and a dominant third quarter to hand the Tigers a 73–50 loss Saturday afternoon inside the H&PE Arena.
Grambling opened the game shooting 50 percent in the first period and capitalizing on early TSU turnovers to build a 20–9 lead. Despite the slow start, Alisa Blalock kept the Tigers afloat with five first‑quarter points and steady play at the free‑throw line.
Texas Southern responded with its best stretch of the afternoon in the second quarter. The Tigers outscored Grambling 17–14 in the period, sparked by a three‑pointer from Ayanna Jackson and back‑to‑back finishes from Taliyah Logwood. Blalock added four more points at the line, helping TSU cut the deficit to 34–26 at halftime after holding Grambling scoreless on multiple trips and converting in transition.
The Tigers continued to battle early in the third behind Logwood and Jackson, who combined for 11 points in the frame. Jackson knocked down another three, and Da'Myiah Lewis added key free throws as TSU briefly trimmed the margin to single digits. But Grambling countered with a decisive run, shooting 41.7 percent in the quarter and stretching its lead to 55–39 heading into the fourth.
Logwood opened the fourth with an attacking finish, and Jackson added late buckets—including a steal‑and‑score in the closing seconds—as TSU continued to compete until the final whistle. However, Grambling's efficiency at the rim and advantage on the glass proved too much to overcome. The visitors finished with 42 points in the paint and converted 16 second‑chance and fast‑break points combined.
Jackson led Texas Southern with 17 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Logwood added 14 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Blalock contributed nine points, three assists and solid defensive activity. Lewis chipped in six points and four boards.
