Texas Southern secured a hard-fought 72-71 win over Alcorn State at the Davey L. Whitney Complex, with Bryce Roberts' 20 points leading the charge. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a decisive advantage until the final minutes. Texas Southern's victory was fueled by a strong second-half performance, as they outscored Alcorn State 38-39 after taking a slim 34-32 lead into halftime.
Davian Williams was the standout performer for Alcorn State, scoring 15 points to pace the Braves' offense. However, it was not enough to overcome the balanced attack of Texas Southern, which saw three players score in double figures. Alex Anderson added 19 points for the Tigers, while Troy Hupstead chipped in with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Shane Lancaster and Tycen McDaniels also made significant contributions for Alcorn State, scoring 14 and 11 points, respectively, with McDaniels adding 9 rebounds to his tally.
The game was marked by several key moments, including a late surge by Texas Southern that saw them take the lead for good. Alcorn State fought hard to stay in the game, but ultimately fell just short. The Braves' inability to close out the game will be a disappointment, given their strong performance for much of the contest. Despite the loss, Alcorn State can take heart from their competitive display, which saw them push Texas Southern to the limit.
The win is a significant one for Texas Southern, as it improves their record to 5-13 and gives them a much-needed boost of momentum. While the victory may not have significant tournament implications, it is an important step forward for a team looking to build confidence and cohesion. For Alcorn State, the loss drops them to 3-16, and they must regroup and refocus as they look to turn their season around.
In terms of resume impact, this game was classified as a Quadrant 4 contest for both teams. As such, the win does not provide a significant boost to Texas Southern's tournament chances, but it does help to pad their win total and provides a morale-boosting victory. For Alcorn State, the loss is a missed opportunity to gain a win against a similarly-ranked opponent, and they must be more effective in closing out games if they are to make a push for a stronger finish to the season. Ultimately, the outcome of this game serves as a reminder that every win is crucial, regardless of the opponent's ranking or record. Texas Southern's ability to grind out a tough win on the road will be an important factor in their ongoing development, and they want to build on this performance as they move forward.