Sports

GSU men splits games in Texas

Ivy Smith’s last second floater helps GSU outlast TSU. Raven LeDay/The Gramblnite

The Grambling State University men’s basketball team concluded its Texas road trip this past weekend with a two game split at Texas Southern University.

 

The Tigers came out victorious 88-87 in overtime at TSU Saturday night.

 

Ivy Smith floater with two seconds remaining lifted the G-MEN in the extra period.

 

The Tigers trailed by four points in overtime before going on a run of their own.

 

Baskets by Devante Jackson and Smith down the stretch were the deciding factor as GSU earned its third straight win over TSU.

 

Smith paced the Tigers with 24 points, nine assists, four steals and four rebounds in 43 minutes of action.

 

 Senior forward Axel Mpoyo posted his fourth career double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Anthony Gatson added 15 points and a career-high nine rebounds.

 

John Jones led TSU, with 14 points.

 

GSU stayed in the state of Texas Monday night as the Tigers fell behind early and ultimately were unable to overcome the deficit, falling to Prairie View A&M, 83-66.

 

 GSU recorded 18 turnovers in the first half. 

 

The Panthers converted on the Tigers mistakes. Turning the turnovers into 31 Panthers points, heading into the break with a 48-19 lead.

 

 GSU rallied in the second half, trimming the deficit to 11 points with six minutes remaining, however that would be close as the Tigers would come.

 

Ivy Smith Jr. continued his great play this season pacing the Tigers with 17 points, two assists and one steal on the night. 

 

Dallas-Polk Hillard added 10 points, while Travon Bunch had a career-high 10 points, Axel Mpoyo also had another double-double performance with 11 rebounds and 10 points. 

 

Gary Blackston paced the Panthers with 21 points.

 

The Tigers will return home on Saturday, Jan. 26, for a SWAC matchup with Jackson State University Tigers.

 

Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. from the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.