The Tigers scored 139 points over the last 2 games. GSU Athletics/Courtesy photo
After bouncing back from a few tough losses, the Grambling State men’s basketball team is looking to make winning games a habit again.
Saturday saw the Tigers head to Arkansas to face off against the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the closest game of the season.
After a dominant first half by the Tigers, the Golden Lions proved they weren’t out of the fight as they tried to claw their way back to a victory.
First quarter action saw Grambling up 26-19, shooting nearly 37 percent from the field on just two-for-two from the three point line.
For the home team, shooting just 26 percent from the field, their 19 points coming after 20 missed shots kept them behind early.
When play resumed for the second half, the Golden Lions showed new life.
Scoring 28 points in the half, they forced the game down to the wire.
Taking the lead with just over three minutes left, it took everything the Tigers had to regain the lead.
Forcing an offensive goal-tend, the Tigers held the ball and forced another turnover to seal the win with free throw shots.
The final score was 49-47 as GSU barely escaped with a win.
The next game for the Tigers was in Itta Bena as they battled Mississippi Valley State for the ninth SWAC game of the season.
Early in the game, the Tigers played and held the lead the entire game.
Scoring a massive 47 points in the first half, the tone was set for the remainder of the game.
By the time the game ended, the team put up 43 the next half to beat the Delta Devils 90-65 to pick up their second win in a row.
Travon Bunch held team highs with 23 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 68 percent from the field.
Teammate Ivy Smith, Jr. nearly had a triple-double as he added to the stat line 19 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists on 75 percent shooting from the field.
With the victories, the team evens out at .500 for the season.
Their next matchup is at home against a 9-13 Southern team, who lost to the Tigers earlier in the season by just five points.
On a six-game win streak, the Jaguars will come in with momentum as the Tigers look to upset their SWAC rival.